Matern Child Health J [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Multiple Output Gaussian Process Model for Predicting Low Birth Weight in Medellín, Colombia: An Alternative to Conventional Machine Learning Models.
Salazar Blandon DA, García Arias HF, Giraldo Gutiérrez JJ
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42371394 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the methodological feasibility of a heterogeneous multi-output Gaussian process model for jointly handling a continuous birth outcome and its clinically used binary representation in routinely coll...
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the methodological feasibility of a heterogeneous multi-output Gaussian process model for jointly handling a continuous birth outcome and its clinically used binary representation in routinely collected perinatal data, and to compare its predictive performance with that of conventional single-output models. METHODS: Routinely collected live-birth certificate data from Medellín, Colombia, covering births from 2012 to 2021, were analyzed. After cleaning and class balancing, the analytic dataset included 32,110 records. A heterogeneous multi-output Gaussian process model was trained to jointly model birth weight in grams with a Gaussian likelihood and low birth weight status with a Bernoulli likelihood. Predictive performance was compared with that of conventional single-output regression and classification models. RESULTS: The heterogeneous multi-output Gaussian process model achieved acceptable predictive performance (R² = 0.67 for birth weight and accuracy = 0.845 for low birth weight classification), with results comparable to those of models fitted separately for each task. These findings support the practical feasibility of modeling heterogeneous outputs within a single probabilistic framework. CONCLUSIONS: In this application, the heterogeneous multi-output Gaussian process model was a viable methodological alternative for jointly modeling birth weight in grams and its binary low-birth-weight classification. This study should be interpreted primarily as a methodological demonstration of a flexible multi-output framework in perinatal data that may be extended in future studies to jointly model other outcomes of greater direct relevance to public health.
Baby-Feed Pilot Trial for Improving Diet and Weight Gain in Infants and Toddlers.
Bolton J, Wang W, Coccia C … +4 more , Narayanan V, Varella M, Hannan J, Palacios C
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42310262 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: To pilot test the initial efficacy of the Baby-Feed website for improving infant diet quality (main outcome) and weight gain (exploratory outcome) compared to usual care. METHODS: This was a 3-month randomized...
OBJECTIVE: To pilot test the initial efficacy of the Baby-Feed website for improving infant diet quality (main outcome) and weight gain (exploratory outcome) compared to usual care. METHODS: This was a 3-month randomized clinical trial, in which two healthcare providers and 50 caregivers of healthy-term infants (4-12 months) in a community health center were recruited. Participants were randomized to usual care or access to the Baby-Feed website, which assesses infants' diets, provides automated results, and delivers feedback. Measures were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study: diet quality from a validated infant food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), self-reported weight/length to calculate rate of weight gain, and a validated self-efficacy questionnaire. Changes were compared using analysis of covariance or Chi-square/Fisher's Exact test. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (n = 25 intervention; n = 25 control). Most caregivers were mothers (92%) and Hispanic (86%). Change in total diet quality scores was higher in the intervention (-2.95 ± 6.53) vs. controls (-7.69 ± 7.84; p = 0.031). Healthy weight gain was higher in the intervention group (n = 21, 95%) vs. controls (n = 14, 58%; p = 0.006). Changes in the self-efficacy score for promoting healthy foods were associated with changes in the fruit score (r = 0.46; p = 0.03), and changes in the self-efficacy score for limiting unhealthy foods were associated with changes in the juice score (r = 0.45; p = 0.04) only in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Using Baby-Feed for 3 months improved diet quality and the rate of weight gain compared with controls in this small and short pilot trial. A larger, longer trial with a more diverse population is needed to confirm the results. TRIAL REGISTRY: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ : NCT05062824.
Association of Food Insecurity with Mental Health and Clinical Outcomes Among Women Living with HIV/AIDS: A Cross-Sectional Study of Southwestern Iran.
Joulaei H, Foroozanfar Z, Riasatian M … +1 more , Mohsenpour M
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42301371 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with health outcomes among Women Living with HIV/AIDS (WLHIV). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in 452 WLHIV between 2021...
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with health outcomes among Women Living with HIV/AIDS (WLHIV). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in 452 WLHIV between 2021 and 2022 in Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews and the patients' files. Participants were assessed for food insecurity based on the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), quality of life, mental health, resilience, social support, and socioeconomic status. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Of 452 WLHIV, 297 (66.0%) were food secure, 50 (11.0%) mildly, 53(12.0%) moderately, and 52 (11.0%) severely food insecure. Food insecurity were significantly associated with CD4 < 500 (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06), detectable HIV Viral load (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.07), and clinical symptoms (OR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.08). Food-insecure WLHIV had significantly higher depression, stress, and anxiety scores and lower QOL and resilience scores(P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: results indicated that food insecurity is associated with various adverse outcomes including poorer clinical indicators and worse mental health status. These findings highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity within HIV care to enhance both clinical and psychosocial health status.
Awareness and Attitudes of Health Professionals on Endocrine Disruptors in Pregnancy.
Miral MT, Mamuk R, Şahin NH
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42262629 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: Given the limited evidence on the awareness and attitudes of health professionals who educate pregnant women about endocrine disruptors, alongside growing concern regarding their adverse effects during pregnan...
OBJECTIVE: Given the limited evidence on the awareness and attitudes of health professionals who educate pregnant women about endocrine disruptors, alongside growing concern regarding their adverse effects during pregnancy, this study was conducted to assess these factors. METHODS: The study, which was carried out according to cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational methods, was implemented during an antenatal education conference held in Izmir between October 27-30, 2023. The sample consisted of 178 health professionals, including midwives, nurses, and obstetricians, who attended the congress and provided education to pregnant women. Data were collected with the Introductory Information Form (IIF), Endocrine Disruptors Attitude Scale (EDAS), and Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals Awareness Scale for Health Professionals (EDCAS). RESULTS: A total of 83.7% of the participants had not received training on endocrine disruptors. The mean EDAS score of the participants was 80.87±11.39, and the mean EDCAS score was 84.93±13.34. There is a weak correlation between the EDCAS score and the EDAS score and a moderately significant relationship between the general awareness sub-dimension of EDCAS and EDAS (p < 0.05). Participants who received training on endocrine disruptors had higher EDCAS and EDAS scores (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings are relevant to perinatal health as they show that many prenatal health professionals lack formal training despite moderate awareness and positive attitudes. Since training is associated with higher awareness and attitudes, improving education may enhance counseling, reduce harmful exposures, and support better maternal and fetal outcomes.
Differences in Maternal Outcomes Among American Indian/Alaska Native and White Women with Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy in a Rural State.
Corn M, Dworsky J, Sahmoun AE … +1 more , Beal JR
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42250178 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with substantial maternal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to describe demographic and clinical factors that differ between Ame...
INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with substantial maternal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to describe demographic and clinical factors that differ between American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and White women with HDP in North Dakota. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis of resident, in-state, singleton births among AI/AN and White women with HDP using 2007-2020 North Dakota birth records from the Division of Vital Records. Descriptive analyses were performed using summary statistics and bivariate comparisons to compare demographic risk factors and maternal outcomes between AI/AN and White women with HDP. Annual trends in HDP diagnoses were also analyzed. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2020, the prevalence of HDP increased significantly from 4.4% to 12.1%. The prevalence increased significantly among both AI/AN women (6.6% to 13.6%, p < 0.001) and White women (4.1% to 11.9%, p < 0.001). Compared with White women, AI/AN women had higher rates of cesarean delivery (45.3% vs. 38.5%, p < 0.001), cesarean delivery after a trial of labor (30.5% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001), preterm birth (23.1% vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001), fetal macrosomia (3.2% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001), and blood transfusion (2.2% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.009). AI/AN women had lower rates of third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration (0.4% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.004) and cephalic presentation at delivery (91.9% vs. 94.9%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: HDP increased significantly from 2007 to 2020 among both AI/AN and White women in North Dakota. Among pregnancies complicated by HDP, AI/AN women experienced higher rates of several adverse maternal and delivery outcomes. These findings highlight the need for targeted and culturally responsive strategies to improve maternal outcomes among AI/AN women.
Perceived Clinician Autonomy Support Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic Onset in a Pregnancy Cohort.
Fedyk M, Glaser KB, Millman A … +4 more , Daredia S, Quesenberry CP, Ferrara A, Brown SD
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42236642 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Patient autonomy - the ability to form intentions and undertake actions based upon one's values - is essential to patient-centered care. However, little research has examined patients' perceptions of autonomy...
BACKGROUND: Patient autonomy - the ability to form intentions and undertake actions based upon one's values - is essential to patient-centered care. However, little research has examined patients' perceptions of autonomy support, defined as clinician behaviors that help patients understand options, ask questions, feel heard, and make decisions aligned with their values. This is a critical gap, particularly for pregnant and postpartum populations. METHODS: Our objective was to examine a measurable aspect of the patient-clinician relationship that could provide a window into perceived autonomy, specifically, whether patients reported clinician behaviors consistent with autonomy-supportive care. Measured using a subset of responses to the 6-item short-form of the validated Healthcare Climate Survey, we examined whether perceived autonomy support from clinicians shifted from pre- to post-onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and descriptively explored whether patterns appeared to vary by participant characteristics. We analyzed a diverse subset of participants in the Pregnancy, Lifestyle and Environment Study-2 (PETALS-2), a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Participants completed validated surveys at baseline during pregnancy (2017-2019, pre-pandemic onset) and at a study follow-up at 24-36 months postpartum (2020-2021, post-pandemic onset). RESULTS: In the analytic sample (N = 278), perceived autonomy support decreased over time, both overall (baseline 95% CI = 5.3-5.8 and follow-up 95% CI = 4.8-5.3, p < 0.001). Descriptive subgroup analyses suggested similar directional patterns across several racial/ethnic groups, but subgroup results were interpreted cautiously because the study was not powered to test differences by race/ethnicity. These data therefore do not provide sufficient evidence to draw conclusions about whether changes in perceived autonomy support differed by sociodemographic characteristics or recent perceived discrimination.
Implementation Status of Low-Dose Aspirin and Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Preeclampsia in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Coffey PS, Mansen K, Agonafir N … +6 more , Ishola G, Nitiema BC, Parker ME, Randhawa S, Shauri J, Shelley KD
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42230436 · Full text
PURPOSE: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal death. Global guidance recommends use of low-dose aspirin and calcium supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia. Published literature show...
PURPOSE: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal death. Global guidance recommends use of low-dose aspirin and calcium supplementation for prevention of preeclampsia. Published literature showcasing the implementation of these guidelines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is sparse. DESCRIPTION: The objective of this practice note is to share our findings related to implementation of low-dose aspirin and calcium supplementation for the prevention of preeclampsia in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan. The experiences from these five countries can illustrate important aspects about the nature and scope of scale of these two evidence-based interventions in LMICs. ASSESSMENT: Between May 2023 and March 2024, we conducted policy review and key informant interviews (n = 59) at global and country level. Implementation efforts for the two interventions show variations in the policy environment and clinical practices across countries. Progress toward scale of low-dose aspirin is hampered by variable clinical practices, low provider and community awareness, late antenatal care attendance, and under resourced health systems including weak supply chains. In the case of calcium supplementation, a complicated regimen and conditional global recommendations leaves countries without actionable plans aligning with optimal counseling models for improved adherence. CONCLUSION: Effective implementation of low-dose aspirin and calcium supplementation for preeclampsia prevention will require strengthening antenatal care and provision of services at the primary health care level and enabling the policy environment where needed. Increased coordination around a package of interventions aimed at reducing preeclampsia will also be critical going forward. Practice recommendations on policy, demand, clinical implementation, and monitoring are summarized.
Characteristics and Determinants for Home Births in Rural Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Wussow J, Fedorova TD, Conteh MI … +12 more , Starling S, Roemers R, Bah AW, Kalokoh IA, Sheriff HS, Dumbuya A, Sankoh ZM, Bolkan HA, Westendorp J, Jalloh R, Andersen LS, Kujabi ML
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42228037 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Sub-Saharan Africa and Sierra Leone bear one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates. In rural Sierra Leone, 19% of births occur at home, contributing to high maternal mortality ratios. This study a...
INTRODUCTION: Sub-Saharan Africa and Sierra Leone bear one of the world's highest maternal mortality rates. In rural Sierra Leone, 19% of births occur at home, contributing to high maternal mortality ratios. This study aims to identify characteristics and reasons for home births among women in the rural Mathonkara Catchment area in Sierra Leone. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 555 women of childbearing age in the Mathonkara Catchment area, Tonkolili district. Data was collected between February 25 and May 12, 2023. A structured questionnaire assessed birthplaces, demographic characteristics, maternal health indicators, care seeking behaviours, and previous experiences of care at health facilities. RESULTS: The prevalence of home births was 26.67%. Characteristics associated with home births include the experience of feeling like health care workers did not care about your life (AOR = 19.11; 95% CI:1.57-799.61), a distance of > 1 km to the nearest health facility (AOR = 7.15; 95% CI:3.12-16.51), ≤ 3 antenatal care visits (AOR = 4.84; 95% CI:2.37-10.14), and previous homebirths (AOR = 4.17; 95% CI:2.42-7.30). Common reasons for home births were labour occurring at nighttime, transportation costs and availability, and health care service costs. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: The factors influencing home births in rural Sierra Leone are multifaceted. To improve maternal outcomes, it is crucial to address the challenges that impede facility-based births, including quality of care and respectful care at health facilities, distance, economic costs of reaching facilities, and transportation challenges such as quality of roads and availability of transportation.
A Typology of Strategies Women Use to Navigate Alcohol Abstinence During Pregnancy.
Pettigrew S, Sträuli B, Booth L … +3 more , Bury K, Stevens-Cutler J, Hoek A
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42189417 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines recommend alcohol abstinence during pregnancy and while trying to conceive to prevent avoidable harms. However, social norms favoring alcohol use can make abstinence difficult, especially...
INTRODUCTION: Current guidelines recommend alcohol abstinence during pregnancy and while trying to conceive to prevent avoidable harms. However, social norms favoring alcohol use can make abstinence difficult, especially while trying to conceal a pregnancy. The aim of this study was to identify feasible alcohol avoidance strategies and categorize them into a typology that can be used to communicate about this topic with women of child-bearing age. METHODS: Online focus groups (n = 37) and individual interviews (n = 6) were conducted with 43 Australian women aged 18-44 years who were pregnant or had recently been pregnant at the time of data collection and who had consumed alcohol at least weekly before conception. Projective techniques were used that involved presenting participants with scenarios of fictional women in situations that may arise when trying to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. RESULTS: Findings indicate that those who are pregnant or trying to conceive may benefit from ready access to information about alcohol avoidance strategies that have been found effective by the women who went before them. Identified strategies were classified as Avoid/constrain the drinking context, Substitute drinks, Use an accomplice, Simulate drinking, Fib, Educate, Refuse, and Disclose. DISCUSSION: These strategies could form the basis of health practitioner advice and user-friendly resources that are made available to women of childbearing age and pregnant women to increase their ability to avoid alcohol while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
The Importance of Motherhood for Early Maternal Bonding and Engagement.
Shreffler KM, Esparza K, Wyatt T
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42162409 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Maternal perceptions about the importance of motherhood have been found to impact a variety of maternal well-being outcomes, but the impact of the importance of motherhood for the early maternal bonding rel...
INTRODUCTION: Maternal perceptions about the importance of motherhood have been found to impact a variety of maternal well-being outcomes, but the impact of the importance of motherhood for the early maternal bonding relationship and on caregiving behaviors has not been explored. Examining attitudinal factors associated with maternal-infant bonding or early caregiving behaviors is essential for the development of effective interventions. METHODS: Using a clinic-based, urban sample of predominately low-income and diverse pregnant women (N = 177), we used hierarchical linear regression analysis to examine whether perceptions of the importance of motherhood measured during the first trimester predicted maternal-fetal bonding measured during the second trimester, caregiving engagement at two months postpartum, and postpartum bonding measured at six months postpartum, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and prior outcomes. RESULTS: Perceived importance of motherhood was positively and significantly associated with higher maternal-fetal bonding (b = 1.28, p < .01), greater daily infant engagement (b = 0.57, p < .05), and higher postpartum bonding (b = 0.94, p < .01). Adjusting for prior outcomes to model temporal pathways revealed that the impact of perceived importance of motherhood for early engagement was fully attenuated by maternal-fetal bonding but remained a significant predictor of postpartum bonding. DISCUSSION: Perceiving motherhood as important promotes early maternal bonding and caregiving behaviors, which are critical for early infant development. Preconception or parenting education programs that strive to promote the importance of motherhood through mindfulness or maternal reflective functioning interventions should be considered.
Maternal Inflammatory Biomarkers at 28 Weeks of Pregnancy and Childhood Adiposity at Age 7 and 13 Years in the Seychelles Child Development Study.
Kahwaji M, McSorley EM, Yeates AJ … +8 more , Mulhern MS, Spence T, Crowe W, Allsopp P, Shroff E, Shamlaye C, Strain JJ, van Wijngaarden E
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42159873 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Dysregulated inflammation during pregnancy can result in an adverse intrauterine environment, potentially disrupting fetal growth and development and increasing the risk of childhood obesity. This study aim...
INTRODUCTION: Dysregulated inflammation during pregnancy can result in an adverse intrauterine environment, potentially disrupting fetal growth and development and increasing the risk of childhood obesity. This study aimed to assess the association between maternal inflammation during the second trimester of pregnancy and childhood adiposity at ages 7 and 13 years. METHODS: Utilizing the Seychelles Child Development Study Nutrition Cohort 2 (SCDS NC2), we measured maternal inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-6, CRP, MCP-1, sFlt-1, and VEGF-D) at 28 weeks gestation and childhood body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-scores, waist-to-hip circumference ratios, and the odds of overweight and obesity at ages 7 and 13 years. The associations between maternal inflammatory markers and childhood adiposity measures were analyzed using linear regression for BMI-for-age z-scores and waist-to-hip ratios and multinomial logistic regression for weight status. Potential effect modification by child sex was explored using interaction terms. RESULTS: Among the 1,351 mother-child pairs, 57.1% of mothers, 12.3% of children at age 7 years, and 15.0% of children at age 13 years were classified with obesity. Few associations between gestational inflammatory markers and any adiposity outcome were statistically significant, and all beta coefficients were close to the null. Several associations had statistically significant sex interaction terms (p < 0.05), however most of these associations were not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Overall, there was no evidence of an association between second trimester maternal inflammatory markers and childhood adiposity at age 7 or 13 years in this cohort.
Extracting Signs and Symptoms of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy from Clinical Notes Using Natural Language Processing.
Scroggins JK, Zhang Z, Hulchafo II … +2 more , Topaz M, Barcelona V
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42159872 · Full text
PURPOSE: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) affect 16% of births in the United States. In this pilot study, we conducted a preliminary evaluation of natural language processing (NLP) in extracting signs and sympto...
PURPOSE: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) affect 16% of births in the United States. In this pilot study, we conducted a preliminary evaluation of natural language processing (NLP) in extracting signs and symptoms (SS) of HDP from clinical notes within electronic health records (EHRs). METHODS: This retrospective observational pilot study used EHR data from patients admitted for labor and birth (N = 83,003 clinical notes from 17,775 patients). Four SS categories were extracted: elevated blood pressure, neurological, renal, and hepatic/hematologic. Five machine learning models and ClinicalBERT were trained and tested using five-fold cross-validation. The best-performing model was applied to the full dataset. Bivariate analyses were performed to examine (1) differences in HDP diagnoses based on ICD-10 codes (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia) by SS documentation and (2) differences in SS documentation by patient race and ethnicity. RESULTS: XGBoost demonstrated the highest macro-average F1-score (0.75). Elevated blood pressure showed the highest F1-score (0.87), followed by neurological SS (0.77). In the full dataset, 24.3% of clinical notes and 42.3% of patients had documentation of at least one SS category. A higher proportion of HDP diagnoses was observed with an increased number of SS categories documented (p < .001). A higher proportion of non-Hispanic Black patients had documentation of SS across all categories. CONCLUSION: NLP can extract SS with moderate accuracy, supporting feasibility for larger-scale extraction. Findings also highlight differences in SS documentation by patient race and ethnicity. Future research is needed to improve NLP performance, including expanding annotated data.
Integrative Review: Pregnant Women's Perception of Smoking Tobacco Risks During Pregnancy.
Gulley T, Hammer D, Jarvill M
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42159871 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: To review the current state of the literature regarding pregnant women's perception of smoking tobacco risk during pregnancy. METHODS: CINAHL Complete, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, and PubMed were se...
PURPOSE: To review the current state of the literature regarding pregnant women's perception of smoking tobacco risk during pregnancy. METHODS: CINAHL Complete, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, and PubMed were searched using the keyword combination of (a) perception or knowledge or attitude or belief or perspective or opinion, (b) tobacco, and (c) pregnancy or pregnant or prenatal or antenatal or perinatal or maternal. Whittmore and Knafl's integrative method was the framework utilized. Each study's level and quality of evidence were assessed according to the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Level and Quality Guide. The findings of each study were then grouped into themes. RESULTS: Nineteen articles were included in the review. Major themes identified included pregnant women's perception of risk or knowledge, perception of benefits or barriers to smoking cessation, and pregnant women's source of information. Specifically, pregnant women who smoked tobacco were less likely to believe in the risk of associated adverse health outcomes than pregnant women who did not smoke tobacco; and pregnant women valued information from family and friends over healthcare providers. DISCUSSION: Pregnant women with a low risk perception who continued to smoke tobacco suggests the need to improve public awareness of documented adverse pregnancy outcomes. Education needs to be directed towards the individual's perception of the susceptibility of risk and the severity of risk. This can increase motivation for tobacco cessation during pregnancy and potentially lead to increased cessation success, leading to improved pregnancy health outcomes.
Physical Activities Promote Resilience of Children in Single-Mother Families: Results from A-CHILD Study.
Yamaoka Y, Tani Y, Kawahara T … +2 more , Maeda Y, Fujiwara T
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42159870 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: Children from single-mother families often face adverse health and developmental outcomes. However, limited research exists on the potential effectiveness of support systems in fostering resilience among thes...
OBJECTIVES: Children from single-mother families often face adverse health and developmental outcomes. However, limited research exists on the potential effectiveness of support systems in fostering resilience among these children. This study aimed to examine the effects of physical activity on the resilience of children in single-mother families. METHODS: This study used longitudinal data from the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (A-CHILD) study in Japan (N = 3076). Single motherhood status was assessed at baseline in 2015 (when the children were in 1st grade). Subsequently, the frequency of children's engagement in physical activity was evaluated in 2016 (2nd grade). The resilience of children was assessed in 2020 (in 6th grade) using the Children's Resilient Coping Scale (CRCS). Structural equation modeling was used to examine the mediating effects of physical activity on child resilience. RESULTS: Single-mother families constituted 7.2% of study samples in 1st grade. In the 2nd grade, the children exhibited lower participation in physical activities, which subsequently showed lower resilience scores by the time they reached 6th grade. The duration of physical activity mediated the effect of single-mother families on resilience only for boys (84% of total effect). CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: The relationship between single motherhood and children's lower resilience was found to be mediated by the duration of children's physical activity, specifically among boys attending elementary school in Japan. Enhancing opportunities for physical activities among children from single-mother families could prove effective in enhancing their resilience levels.
Interpersonal, Community/Environmental, and Societal Risk and Protective Factors for Gestational Diabetes and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Among Black Women in the United States: A Systematic Review.
Jaynes S, Janek S, Huynh A … +2 more , Hendren S, Gonzalez-Guarda RM
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42151691 · Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVES: Gestational diabetes (GDM) and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) disproportionallyaffect the health of Black women during pregnancy and after birth. These conditions have mostly been examined separatel...
OBJECTIVES: Gestational diabetes (GDM) and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) disproportionallyaffect the health of Black women during pregnancy and after birth. These conditions have mostly been examined separately and have largely focused on individual-level risk factors. We used an adapted socioecological model (SEM) to explore risk and protective factors for GDM and HDP among Black women beyond the individual level of influence. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Complete and Scopus databases for articles published through November 2023. Studies were included if they had samples of ≥ 50% Black women or stratified data by race and included measures of effect of interpersonal, community/environmental, or societal factors. We used PRISMA 2020 reporting guidelines and narratively synthesized the results by level of the SEM. We used QualSyst to assess the quality of included studies. RESULTS: Nineteen studies met all our inclusion criteria; 10 examined societal factors making it the most examined socioecological level, six examined community/environmental factors, and three examined interpersonal level factors. Only three studies included outcomes of both GDM and HDP. Intimate partner violence was the only significant risk factor for both GDM and HDP. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: Although several risk factors were explored, protective factors have not been examined to the same extent and warrant further investigation. Findings from this review can be used to inform more comprehensive assessment tools for identifying patients at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Limitations of our review include the inability to determine causality due to study designs and the inability to conduct a meta-analysis due to heterogeneity of findings.
Factors Associated with Growth and Weight Status in Indigenous Children Under 5 Years of Age in Northeastern Brazil.
Dos Anjos ABSL, de Oliveira VC, Dos Santos TR … +3 more , Ferreira HDS, Cardoso MA, Lourenço BH
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42133246 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Indigenous children in Brazil experience persistent health and nutritional inequities, yet remain underrepresented in epidemiological research. This study investigated factors associated with the nutritional s...
OBJECTIVE: Indigenous children in Brazil experience persistent health and nutritional inequities, yet remain underrepresented in epidemiological research. This study investigated factors associated with the nutritional status of Indigenous children under 5 years in Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional household survey collected demographic, socioeconomic, maternal, perinatal, and anthropometric data of 329 children across 13 Indigenous communities in Alagoas, Brazil. Height-for-age (HAZ) and body mass index-for-age (BAZ) z-scores were calculated using the World Health Organization growth standards. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate coefficients (β) and confidence intervals (95%CI) of factors associated with HAZ and BAZ. RESULTS: Among 329 Indigenous children (52% boys, mean age [standard deviation, SD]: 2.4 [1.4] years), the mean HAZ was - 0.38 (SD: 1.09) and BAZ was 0.50 (SD: 1.10). Overall, 6.1% of children were stunted (HAZ <-2) and 9.5% were overweight (BAZ > + 2). HAZ was negatively associated with moderate or severe food insecurity (β: -0.37; 95%CI: -0.71, -0.03). Children living in masonry households (β: 0.71; 95%CI: 0.10, 1.32) and whose mothers were taller (β: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.24, 0.85) had higher HAZ. Regarding weight status, maternal underweight (β: -1.02; 95%CI: -2.00, -0.03) and cesarean section (β: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.14, 0.63) were significantly associated with BAZ. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Monitoring the nutritional status of Indigenous children is important in the first years of life. Strengthening traditional practices within Indigenous territories is essential for improved nutritional outcomes.
Perinatal Deaths in Suriname: A Nationwide Cohort Study on Causes of Death and Lessons Learned from Facility-Based Audits.
Prüst ZD, Verschueren KJC, Liesdek S … +5 more , Rigters F, Bhika-Kori G, Bloemenkamp KWM, van den Akker T, Kodan LR
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42133245 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: The WHO recommends implementing the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) cycle to evaluate and reduce perinatal mortality. We aimed to (1) assess Suriname's national perinatal mortal...
OBJECTIVES: The WHO recommends implementing the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) cycle to evaluate and reduce perinatal mortality. We aimed to (1) assess Suriname's national perinatal mortality rate (PMR), (2) classify perinatal death causes, (3) investigate contributing modifiable factors. METHODS: A nationwide, prospective cohort study of perinatal deaths in Suriname (June - December 2022). We conducted surveillance, classified causes of death and conducted audits, as part of the MPDSR cycle. We audited a random selection of cases and used quantitative analysis to report modifiable factors. RESULTS: We identified 83 (53%) stillbirths and 72 (47%) neonatal deaths. The PMR was 28.2 per 1000 total births. Stillbirths occurred antenatally in 80% (n = 66/83), of which 49% (n = 32/66) of unknown cause. Leading causes of antepartum stillbirth were placental insufficiency and placental abruption (combined 37.8%, n = 25), often linked to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) (n = 19). In 23 neonatal death cases, missing files hindered cause classification. Congenital anomalies (29%, n = 14/49) and infections (22%, n = 11/49) were primary causes of neonatal deaths. We reviewed 63 cases and identified 150 modifiable factors, half of which related to quality-of-care, including suboptimal antenatal care and substandard neonatal life support. Delays in seeking care and shortages of supplies and staff also contributed significantly. CONCLUSIONS: To decrease perinatal mortality, we suggest enhancing antenatal and neonatal care, by improved ultrasound, better triage, mitigating the impact of HDP, and upgrading neonatal respiratory support. Furthermore, policymakers should prioritize improving access to care, availability of trained staff and sustainable implementation of the MPDSR cycle.
The Economics of Group Antenatal Care: A Systematic Review and Narrative Analysis.
van den Akker-van Marle ME, Leister N, Hindori-Mohangoo AD … +3 more , Hoxha I, Rijnders ME, McCourt C
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42126525 · Full text
INTRODUCTION: Group antenatal care (GANC) is an alternative to traditional individual antenatal care (IANC), which combines health assessment, interactive learning, and community building in group sessions. GANC has been...
INTRODUCTION: Group antenatal care (GANC) is an alternative to traditional individual antenatal care (IANC), which combines health assessment, interactive learning, and community building in group sessions. GANC has been associated with positive health outcomes. To scale up GANC, more evidence is needed on the financial implications of its initial implementation and (long-term) cost-effectiveness. This study aims to review and synthesise the available evidence on the economics of GANC. METHODS: We searched for observational and experimental studies assessing the cost aspects of implementing and running GANC with or without comparison with IANC. INFORMATION SOURCES: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid Emcare up to 22 August 2024 using keywords and controlled vocabulary without restriction by year of publication. QUALITY ASSESSMENT: CASP Economic Evaluation Checklist. DATA SYNTHESIS: Narrative synthesis. RESULTS: A limited number of studies (n = 9) addressing the costs and/or benefits of GANC were eligible to be included in the review. These studies varied considerably in setting, design, quality, type of cost data, cost categories included and perspective used. CONCLUSION: Evidence on the costs of GANC is sparse. Future studies of the lifetime costs and health outcomes of GANC compared with IANC are needed to gain insight into the cost implications and cost-effectiveness of GANC and to scale up its implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023454379.
Resources and Relationships for Success: Perspectives from Students, Alumni, and Staff of a High School-Based Parenting Program.
Hladik L, Mack C, Banez S … +5 more , Hynek M, Vo L, Loeb J, Gramann S, Ausderau KK
Matern Child Health J · 2026 May · PMID 42113311 · Full text
OBJECTIVES: High school-based parenting programs have been identified as a way to support teen mothers as they manage their complex roles as parent and student. The purpose of this study was to describe components within...
OBJECTIVES: High school-based parenting programs have been identified as a way to support teen mothers as they manage their complex roles as parent and student. The purpose of this study was to describe components within a high school-based parenting program that support the overall success of the mother and child through the perspectives of current students, program alumni, and staff. METHODS: We conducted a phenomenological study using semi-structured interviews with current students (n = 8) and program alumni (n = 11) from one high school-based parenting program and staff from seven high school-based parenting programs (n = 12). Thematic analysis was used to identify essential program supports within and between the three different groups. Member checking was completed to verify that the final themes represented the experiences shared in the interviews. RESULTS: Four themes were identified supporting the success of teen mothers in high school-based parenting programs: Things That Make the Program Run, Basic Needs, Classroom Supports, and Connections Outward. Themes were found across all participants with comparison between groups revealing nuances in their experience and perception of supports. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: High school-based parenting programs need to move beyond providing traditional supports to focus on facilitating social connections, ensuring the basic needs are met, and utilizing non-traditional learning strategiesnull. Programs should name and measure strategies used to measure program effectiveness to understand the academic, health, and well-being implications for both parent and child short- and long-term.
Women's Autonomy and Respectful Maternity Care in Zambia: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Validated Patient-Reported Measures.
Khalaf A, Sichimba F, Nakazwe KC … +1 more , Halawi L
Matern Child Health J · 2026 Jun · PMID 42106531 · Full text
OBJECTIVE: Although women's autonomy is key to patient care, the extent to which patients exercise autonomy during clinical consultations in resource-limited contexts such as Zambia remains unknown. This study aimed to e...
OBJECTIVE: Although women's autonomy is key to patient care, the extent to which patients exercise autonomy during clinical consultations in resource-limited contexts such as Zambia remains unknown. This study aimed to examine women's experiences of autonomy in decision-making and respectful treatment in Zambian maternal healthcare. METHODS: The study was conducted in Lusaka and used a cross-sectional survey design. The sample consisted of 305 women who were conveniently recruited. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data and two validated instruments: the 7-item Mothers Autonomy and Decision-Making Scale (MADM), and the 14-item Measure of Respect (MOR) index. RESULTS: Higher levels of decision-making autonomy, according to MADM, are significantly associated with higher levels of perceived respect in maternal healthcare settings, according to MOR (p < .001). Furthermore, higher education was found to correlate significantly with higher autonomy and respect (p < .001). Both instruments showed an excellent (MADM) and good (MOR) internal consistency among this sample (Cronbach's alpha = 0.959 and 0.851, respectively). Overall, while there's significant variation in responses, there is a slight tendency towards positive experiences in both autonomy and respect in maternal healthcare settings. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Health authorities should promote the implementation of autonomous and respectful care for all women, regardless of socioeconomic or educational background, and provide a supportive environment that fosters user participation in decision-making.
About
- Frequency
- Sun
- Papers found
- 200
- RSS feed
- Subscribe