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Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition...
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Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 29 April 2027 | Viewed by 7655

Editors

Prof. Dr. Georgios Iatrakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: gynecology; oncology; obstetrics; endocrinology; pharmacology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kokkinari Artemisia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: maternal health; midwifery care; prenatal nutrition; women's health; health promotion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue seeks to offer an integrative, multidisciplinary exploration of women’s and maternal health within the broader context of evolving health systems and global public health priorities. While emphasizing prevention, nutritional care, and midwifery-led practices, it also aims to critically examine how structural, policy, and sociocultural determinants shape access, quality, and equity in maternal care.

We particularly welcome contributions that interrogate persistent challenges—such as fragmented care pathways, the underutilization of evidence-based interventions, and policy inertia—and propose forward-thinking solutions informed by health systems research, implementation science, and intersectional theory.

Key areas of interest include the following:

  • Nutritional status and micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, iron, and folate) during pregnancy and postpartum;
  • Preventive and promotive strategies for women of reproductive age across different health systems;
  • Midwifery-led care models: innovations, challenges to traditional hierarchies, and integration into interdisciplinary teams;
  • Mental health and psychosocial support in the perinatal period;
  • Impact of structural and social determinants (e.g., education, income, migration status, and gender norms) on maternal and neonatal outcomes;
  • Use of digital health technologies and telemonitoring in pregnancy and postpartum care;
  • Climate-related and environmental risks to reproductive and maternal health;
  • Community-based care, participatory approaches, and culturally responsive practices;
  • Comparative health policy, health economics, and anthropological perspectives on maternal health;
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations across public health, obstetrics, midwifery, nutrition, mental health, and the social sciences.

This Special Issue invites empirical research, critical reviews, policy analyses, and case studies from diverse global contexts, particularly those addressing intersectional and systemic approaches to maternal health equity.

Prof. Dr. Georgios Iatrakis
Guest Editor

Dr. Kokkinari Artemisia
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • maternal health
  • women’s health
  • midwifery
  • nutrition
  • health systems
  • prevention
  • pregnancy
  • postpartum
  • social determinants
  • policy barriers
  • health equity
  • antenatal care
  • digital health
  • climate and health
  • interdisciplinary research

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 320 KB  
Article
Coping Styles and General Self-Efficacy Among Pregnant Women: Evidence from a Multicenter Study in Tunisia
by Maha Dardouri, Nader Alnomasy, Bushra Alshammari, Shaima Mohammed Nageeb, Sonia Rouatbi, Radhia Chaieb and Imen Ayouni
Healthcare 2026, 14(13), 1977; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14131977 - 2 Jul 2026
Viewed by 128
Abstract
Background: Coping styles and general self-efficacy (GSE) are central to managing pregnancy challenges, yet evidence from lower-middle-income countries remains limited. This study aimed to identify coping styles during pregnancy and to assess their associations with GSE, social determinants, and pregnancy-related factors. Methods [...] Read more.
Background: Coping styles and general self-efficacy (GSE) are central to managing pregnancy challenges, yet evidence from lower-middle-income countries remains limited. This study aimed to identify coping styles during pregnancy and to assess their associations with GSE, social determinants, and pregnancy-related factors. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women aged 18–45 years attending antenatal clinics in Sousse, Tunisia, between July 2024 and March 2025. A multistage random sampling strategy recruited participants. Data was collected using validated Arabic versions of the Brief COPE Inventory and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Results: Among 417 respondents, emotion-focused coping was the most frequently used coping strategy (mean = 31.83 ± 6.85). Mean GSE was 28.15 ± 6.01, with 12.2% reporting low GSE. There is a significant difference between GSE and problem-focused and emotion-focused coping styles (p = 0.011; p = 0.019, respectively). Unemployment was negatively associated with problem-focused coping (p = 0.012), while rural residence and divorce were negatively associated with emotion-focused coping (p = 0.037; p = 0.004, respectively). Avoidant coping style was determined by unemployment and multiparity (p =0.043; p = 0.049, respectively). Conclusions: These findings highlighted the need for comprehensive perinatal care strategies that incorporate psychosocial factors and address contextual vulnerabilities, particularly among rural, unemployed, and divorced pregnant women. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
11 pages, 226 KB  
Article
Regional Evidence on Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: Association Between Finnegan Score Severity and Laboratory Findings in a Tertiary NICU
by Melda Tas Gungor and Dilek Kahvecioglu
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1639; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121639 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 226
Abstract
Objective: Maternal substance use during pregnancy is an increasing public health concern worldwide. However, data on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) remain limited in many regions, including Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of neonates exposed to maternal [...] Read more.
Objective: Maternal substance use during pregnancy is an increasing public health concern worldwide. However, data on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) remain limited in many regions, including Turkey. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of neonates exposed to maternal substance use and to assess the association between Finnegan score severity and laboratory findings. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Neonates with prenatal substance exposure were divided into two groups according to their Modified Finnegan scores (<8 and ≥8). Demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes, and laboratory parameters, including acute phase reactants and liver enzymes, were compared between the groups. Maternal substance exposure was mainly determined by maternal self-report, with toxicological confirmation available in only two infants. Results: A total of 25 neonates were included. Higher Finnegan scores were associated with increased white blood cell counts, plateletcrit and liver enzyme levels (AST and ALT), although only the ALT association remained significant after correction for multiple comparisons. Infants placed under state care had longer hospital stays than those discharged to their families (p = 0.02). No mortality was observed. Conclusions: In this small retrospective cohort, greater withdrawal severity was associated with higher aminotransferase levels, particularly ALT, and longer hospitalization was observed among infants placed under state care. These findings should be regarded as preliminary and require confirmation in larger prospective multicenter studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
14 pages, 247 KB  
Article
General Self-Efficacy Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Units in Tunisia and Its Association with Family Quality of Life: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
by Maha Dardouri, Fatma Korbi, Hajer I. Motakef, Hamdi Lamine, Shaima Mohammed Nageeb, Bushra Alshammari, Sihem Chahed, Martin Rusnák and Imen Ayouni
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3069; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233069 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1027
Abstract
Background/Objectives: General-self efficacy (GSE) is a substantial element during pregnancy that promotes healthy decision-making and prevents complications. Information on predictive factors of GSE among pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to assess the GSE among pregnant women and identify its relationship with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: General-self efficacy (GSE) is a substantial element during pregnancy that promotes healthy decision-making and prevents complications. Information on predictive factors of GSE among pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to assess the GSE among pregnant women and identify its relationship with family quality of life (FQOL) domains in a lower-middle-income community. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in nine antenatal care centers from July 2024 to March 2025. Pregnant women were enrolled through the multiple stage sampling method. GSE in pregnant women was assessed using the General Self-efficacy Scale. FQOL was assessed using the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of GSE among pregnant women. Results: A total of 417 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of low GSE was 12.2%. Multivariable linear regression showed that older age (p = 0.02), rural area (p = 0.007), and planned pregnancy (p = 0.03) were predictors of GSE among pregnant women. The total score of FQOL (p = 0.0001), parenting (p = 0.004), and material well-being (p = 0.043) were positive determinant factors of GSE in pregnant women who have at least one child. Conclusions: The prevalence of low general self-efficacy (GSE) among pregnant women was notably high, particularly among those with at least one child. Education regarding family planning, parenting, and financial management through multidisciplinary, family-centered care teams is essential to address the complex needs of expectant families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
17 pages, 626 KB  
Article
Seasonal and Environmental Determinants of Maternal and Neonatal Vitamin D Status: A Cross-Sectional Observational Cohort Study in Urban Greece
by Artemisia Kokkinari, Maria Dagla, Kleanthi Gourounti, Antigoni Sarantaki, Giannoula Kirkou, Maria Iliadou, Evangelia Antoniou and Georgios Iatrakis
Healthcare 2025, 13(20), 2568; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202568 - 13 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1203
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D depends primarily on exposure to solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Nevertheless, populations in the Mediterranean region, including pregnant women, continue to experience high rates of hypovitaminosis D. Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period due to increased physiological [...] Read more.
Background: Cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D depends primarily on exposure to solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Nevertheless, populations in the Mediterranean region, including pregnant women, continue to experience high rates of hypovitaminosis D. Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period due to increased physiological demands and reduced outdoor activity. The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal and environmental determinants of maternal and neonatal vitamin D status in an urban Greek population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study on 248 pregnant women and their neonates admitted for delivery at Tzaneio General Hospital of Piraeus between September 2019 and January 2022. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were measured and temporally matched with environmental variables including UV index, sunshine hours, ambient temperature, and PM2.5 levels. Results: Both maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D levels exhibited marked seasonal variation, with levels peaking in late summer and declining sharply in winter. A significant positive correlation was observed between UV index and vitamin D concentrations (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), while elevated PM2.5 concentrations were inversely associated with vitamin D status. Despite supplementation, insufficiency persisted in most neonates, particularly during the low-UV season. This underlines the need for comprehensive prenatal care strategies, integrating both supplementation policies and individualized nutritional counseling, to better secure maternal and neonatal vitamin D adequacy. Conclusions: Seasonal and environmental factors, particularly solar radiation and particulate air pollution, have a decisive role in determining maternal and neonatal vitamin D status, even in regions with abundant sunlight. These findings emphasize the importance of adaptive prenatal care strategies that combine supplementation with dietary counseling and take into account seasonal variation and air quality. In addition, the study provides novelty by integrating maternal–neonatal vitamin D status with environmental exposure metrics such as UV and PM2.5. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
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25 pages, 1040 KB  
Systematic Review
Early Postpartum Milk-Expression and Expressed-Milk Feeding Practices in Relation to Breastfeeding Outcomes: A Systematic Review
by Maria Dagla, Panagiota Brani, Calliope Dagla, Eleni Tsolaridou, Sevasti Louverdi, Evangelia Antoniou and Eirini Tomara
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1755; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121755 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Early postpartum milk expression is common, but its relationship with later breastfeeding outcomes depends on the clinical context in which expression is used. This systematic review examined distinct exposure domains, including expression method, timing and intensity of expression, expressed-milk feeding modality, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Early postpartum milk expression is common, but its relationship with later breastfeeding outcomes depends on the clinical context in which expression is used. This systematic review examined distinct exposure domains, including expression method, timing and intensity of expression, expressed-milk feeding modality, composite in-hospital feeding patterns, and clinically indicated expression in pump-dependent populations. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidance, primary studies of postpartum milk expression, breast pump use, or expressed breast-milk feeding were identified and synthesized using a PECO framework. Because included studies differed substantially in population, exposure definition, comparator structure, and outcome measurement, meta-analysis was not undertaken. Instead, studies were grouped a priori into exposure families, and conclusions were derived within each domain while explicitly considering risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2, version of 22 August 2019, for randomized trials and the original 2016 version of ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies. Results: Seventeen studies met the eligibility criteria. In healthy term dyads, routine early pumping or exclusive/predominant expressed-milk feeding was generally associated with less favorable breastfeeding continuation than direct feeding at the breast, although these associations were mainly derived from observational studies at serious risk of confounding by indication. In preterm, separated, or otherwise pump-dependent dyads, earlier and more frequent milk expression was associated with improved early lactation outcomes, including lactogenesis, milk yield, or achievement of full lactation; evidence for longer-term breastfeeding continuation was more limited. Broad population-level definitions of any pump use produced less consistent findings and were not directly comparable with studies of exclusive expressed-milk feeding. Conclusions: Early postpartum milk expression should be interpreted as a context-dependent practice rather than as a uniform exposure. The strongest clinical inference is that direct breastfeeding should be supported when feasible in healthy term dyads, whereas early and frequent expression remains necessary and potentially beneficial when direct breastfeeding is not immediately possible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
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16 pages, 1798 KB  
Systematic Review
Artificial Intelligence in Early Breast Cancer Detection: A Systematic Review of Innovations in Preventive Women’s Healthcare
by Anastasia Bothou, Angeliki Bolou, Konstantinos Dinas, Giannoula Kyrkou, Deniece Hardy, Panagiota Pappou, Pinelopi Varela, Georgia Margioula-Siarkou, Myrsini Balafouta and Athina Diamanti
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1674; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121674 - 12 Jun 2026
Viewed by 419
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with early detection being essential for improving survival rates, treatment outcomes, and preventive women’s healthcare strategies. Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) algorithms, has [...] Read more.
Background: Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with early detection being essential for improving survival rates, treatment outcomes, and preventive women’s healthcare strategies. Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) algorithms, has emerged as a promising tool for improving the accuracy and efficiency of BC diagnosis. This systematic review explores the role of AI in early BC detection and its implications for preventive and patient-centered women’s healthcare. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for studies published between January 2015 and December 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy included combinations of MeSH terms and free-text keywords related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, BC screening, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and BC detection. Eleven studies involving approximately 148,170 participants were included. Methodological quality was assessed according to study design. Results: AI-driven diagnostic systems demonstrated improved accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency compared with conventional approaches. AI applications in mammography and ultrasound reduced radiologists’ workload and healthcare costs while enhancing cancer detection rates, particularly in women with high breast density. AI models also showed potential in identifying metastases and predicting clinical outcomes, supporting more efficient patient management and follow-up care. Conclusions: AI-based tools represent a promising advancement in BC detection and screening efficiency. Their integration into BC screening programs may strengthen preventive women’s healthcare services and improve patient outcomes. However, further large-scale clinical validation and real-world implementation studies are required before widespread clinical implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
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19 pages, 568 KB  
Systematic Review
Interventions for the Prevention and Management of Nipple Trauma in Breastfeeding Women: A Systematic Review
by Simela Kirimlidou, Maria Dagla, Ermioni Palaska, Kleanthi Gourounti, Angeliki Sarella, Eirini Orovou and Maria Iliadou
Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111546 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nipple trauma is one of the most common complications during breastfeeding and may lead to pain, discomfort, and the premature cessation of lactation. This systematic review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise recent evidence (2020–2026), reflecting current clinical practices and emerging interventions, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nipple trauma is one of the most common complications during breastfeeding and may lead to pain, discomfort, and the premature cessation of lactation. This systematic review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise recent evidence (2020–2026), reflecting current clinical practices and emerging interventions, for the prevention and management of nipple trauma in breastfeeding women. The primary emphasis was on pain reduction and healing with a secondary consideration of their impact on breastfeeding continuation and duration. Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and included a literature search in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Primary research studies published between 2020 and 2026 focusing on interventions in breastfeeding women experiencing nipple trauma or nipple pain were included. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The interventions included the topical applications of natural products such as olive oil, expressed breast milk, coconut oil, beeswax-based products, and lanolin, nipple shields, and educational interventions focusing on correct breastfeeding techniques. The findings suggest that several of these interventions may reduce nipple pain and promote the healing of nipple trauma, while breastfeeding education and professional support appear to improve breastfeeding experience and continuation. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of the included studies highlights the need for further well-designed clinical research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
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24 pages, 852 KB  
Systematic Review
Investigation of Youth Attitudes and Opinions Regarding HPV: A Systematic Review
by Eleftheria Papadopoulou, Elina Christiana Alimonaki, Anastasia Bothou, Anna Deltsidou, Maria Dagla, Christina Nanou and Giannoula Kyrkou
Healthcare 2026, 14(4), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14040439 - 9 Feb 2026
Viewed by 726
Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the causative agent of cervical cancer and other cancers of the genital area, head and neck, on a worldwide scale. Despite the proven effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing HPV-related diseases, vaccination uptake remains low [...] Read more.
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the causative agent of cervical cancer and other cancers of the genital area, head and neck, on a worldwide scale. Despite the proven effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing HPV-related diseases, vaccination uptake remains low in many countries. It is crucial to understand how adolescents and young adults perceive HPV and its vaccine in order to design effective public health strategies and targeted awareness campaigns. Aim: This systematic review examined the attitudes, perceptions, and opinions of young people regarding HPV and HPV vaccination, with the goal of identifying factors that shape vaccine acceptance. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed and Scopus identified 293 articles published between January 2014 and February 2025. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. Eligible studies included primary qualitative and analytical cross-sectional research published in English that explored views on HPV and vaccination among individuals aged 15–24 years. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures, findings were synthesized narratively and no meta-analysis was performed. The methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists (2017) for qualitative and analytical cross-sectional designs. Results: Ten studies met the eligibility criteria, representing 15,776 young people across six countries. The included studies comprised eight cross-sectional surveys and two qualitative studies. Across these studies, knowledge and awareness of HPV and its vaccine were generally moderate, while vaccination coverage remained low. The highest awareness levels were reported in the United States (95.3% for HPV; 90.6% for the vaccine), whereas lower levels were noted in Brazil, Greece, and Italy. Influential factors associated with vaccine acceptance included parental attitudes, healthcare-provider recommendations, cultural norms, and the presence of misinformation. Conclusions: The level of awareness regarding HPV among adolescents and young adults in the included countries is moderate, yet the vaccination coverage remains low across the included countries. The provision of targeted educational interventions, in conjunction with the consistent guidance and training provided by healthcare professionals, is of considerable importance in order to increase vaccination rates. Findings should be interpreted in light of heterogeneity across studies and reliance on self-reported outcomes. Future research should adopt a mixed-methods approach to more effectively address the social, cultural and informational influences shaping young people’s perceptions, and to develop more effective communication strategies that promote HPV vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
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27 pages, 994 KB  
Systematic Review
Analysis of the Multifactorial Risks of Postpartum Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review
by Nikoleta Tsinisizeli, Anastasia Bothou, Kleanthi Gourounti, Anna Deltsidou, Aikaterini Lykeridou and Giannoula Kyrkou
Healthcare 2026, 14(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14030418 - 6 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1579
Abstract
Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common pelvic floor disorders after childbirth and depends on hormonal changes, anatomical damage that occurs after childbirth, muscle and connective tissue weakness, fascia and nerves. UI is distinguished into three subtypes, including stress [...] Read more.
Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common pelvic floor disorders after childbirth and depends on hormonal changes, anatomical damage that occurs after childbirth, muscle and connective tissue weakness, fascia and nerves. UI is distinguished into three subtypes, including stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgent urinary incontinence (UUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Aim: The purpose of this review is to collect and summarize the results of studies related to the risk factors of urinary incontinence, to disseminate this information to scientists so that this major issue can be prevented, identified and managed. Methodology: This review followed the methodology of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PECO eligibility criteria were used. We included studies published up to 2025 and not before 2019. The review was limited to studies published within the last six years in order to reflect contemporary diagnostic criteria, assessment tools and current postpartum care practices related to urinary incontinence. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus for studies concerning the relationship between risk factors and postpartum UI. Results: A total of 1321 citations were identified. Following our exclusion criteria, 36 papers were selected to identify the risk factors for UI. All the research focused on the associated factors of any type of urinary incontinence. Vaginal and instrumental delivery, obesity, maternal age and the neonate’s birth weight were the main risk factors. The multiparity and incontinence symptoms before and during pregnancy were also strong risk factors. Heterogeneity across studies in assessment tools, in outcome measures and timing of postpartum assessment are some of the limitations of the study. Restriction to English-language publications and the absence of protocol registration were some of the additional limitations of the study. Conclusions: This problem affects the inclusion of women in society, the family, limits social activities and even their ability to work. Detection of the type of urinary incontinence by healthcare professionals, lifestyle modifications, monitoring women’s body weight and encouraging them to follow a program of pelvic floor muscle exercises should be a priority for professionals. The strategy of developing prognostic models in the coming years will be the only way to ensure the early identification and follow-up of women at high risk for urinary disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
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