Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2025) | Viewed by 19874

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Shela Hirani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Nursing, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
Interests: breastfeeding; vulnerable; migration; disaster; displacement; mothers; children; women health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Globally, maternal and child mortality and morbidity among the marginalized are on the rise. A variety of social determinants, health inequality and racism affect the health and well-being of the marginalized group of mothers and children. In many parts of the world, marginalized mothers and children are living in precarious situations and facing violence, trauma, abuse, neglect, and compromised health. A set of robust, interdisciplinary, innovative and well-thought-out health promotion strategies and interventions are vital to reduce rising mortalities and morbidities among this marginalized group and promoting all aspects of their health and well-being. We are seeking research papers in this area that propose innovative solutions to improve the health and well-being of marginalized mothers and young children in diverse care settings.

Dr. Shela Hirani
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2500 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

marginalized
vulnerable
women
mother
children
health promotion
interventions

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 465 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy in Adolescents Attending a Co-Designed Breastfeeding Program: A Prospective Pilot Cohort Study

by Christina M. Cantin, Wendy E. Peterson, Amisha Agarwal, Jemila S. Hamid, Bianca Stortini and Nathalie Fleming

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081271 - 14 Aug 2025

Viewed by 369

Abstract

Adolescents have lower rates of breastfeeding (BF) compared to older mothers. BF self-efficacy (SE) has been identified as an important factor influencing BF outcomes. An innovative BF program for young women was co-designed and implemented, which included staff training, a prenatal BF class, and BF peer support. The objective of this prospective pilot cohort study was to evaluate the effectiveness of prenatal education and peer support in improving a young mother’s BF SE. Participants were pregnant adolescents recruited from a large urban non-profit social service outreach centre. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) was administered to participants before and after participating in the BF program. BSES-SF scores were summed to determine a composite score and compared descriptively using median score. Un-aggregated, item-by-item, comparison of pre- versus post-BF program scores were also compared to examine improvements in SE. A total of 20 adolescent mothers (mean age = 16.6) attended the program. An increase in the total BSES-SF score was observed based on descriptively comparing the mean pre- versus post-intervention. Participation in tailored prenatal education classes and a peer-support program was associated with increased BSES-SF. Identifying mothers with low BF SE can enable healthcare professionals to implement targeted interventions in this at-risk population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 567 KB

Open AccessArticle

What’s in Your Heart? Development of a Culturally Grounded and Trauma-Informed Parenting Support Program with a Pacific Northwest Tribe

by Sara F. Waters, Meenakshi Richardson, Alvina Marris, Fawn Harris and Myra Parker

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081253 - 10 Aug 2025

Viewed by 688

Abstract

The aims of the current study included gathering cultural knowledge and stories regarding parenting young children within a Tribal community and learning community members’ perspectives on key components of a promising parenting prevention program. Qualitative data were drawn from a focus group including seven participants and semi-structured phone interviews with 21 additional participants, all of whom were parenting children in the community. Hybrid coding and applied thematic analysis revealed five themes: (1) Desire to Learn and Gain Parenting Skills; (2) Relationships and the Caregiver Role; (3) Culture and Caregiving, which included subthemes of Diversity Among Tribal Bands, Intergenerational Knowledge Sharing, and Reconnection and Revitalization; (4) Historical Trauma and Behavioral Health; and (5) Curriculum Terminology Considerations. The information gathered collectively informed the development of the culturally grounded stim’ aspuʔús (What’s in Your Heart?) parenting program. This addresses the great need for culturally grounded interventions to support trauma healing within Indigenous families. The development process and implications for program development by and for Indigenous communities is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children)

17 pages, 1009 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects on Child Development and Parent–Child Interaction of the FACAM Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Study of an Interdisciplinary Intervention to Support Women in Vulnerable Positions through Pregnancy and Early Motherhood

by Maiken Pontoppidan, Lene Nygaard, Jonas Cuzulan Hirani, Mette Thorsager, Mette Friis-Hansen, Deborah Davis and Ellen Aagaard Nohr

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(5), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21050587 - 2 May 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2775

Abstract

Health inequality can have a profound impact on a child’s life. Maternal mental health challenges can hinder bonding, leading to impaired functioning and poorer child outcomes. To provide extra support for vulnerable pregnant women, the FACAM intervention offers the services of a health nurse or family therapist from pregnancy until the child starts school. This study examined the effects of FACAM intervention on pregnant women in vulnerable positions and their children until the child turned two years old. We randomly assigned 331 pregnant women to either FACAM intervention or care as usual and assessed them at baseline and when the infant was 3–6, 12–13.5, and 24 months old. The primary outcome was maternal sensitivity measured by Coding Interactive Behavior (CIB). Secondary outcomes included the parent–child relationship, child social–emotional development, child developmental progress, parent–child interaction, and child development. Our findings indicate that care-as-usual children were significantly more involved than FACAM children when the child was 4–6 months old (b = −0.25, [−0.42; −0.08] d = −0.42). However, we suspect this result is due to a biased dropout. We did not find any significant differences in any other outcomes. Therefore, the study suggests that the FACAM intervention is not superior to care as usual regarding child development and parent–child interaction outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 308 KB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers to Women’s Menstrual Hygiene Practices during Recurrent Disasters and Displacement: A Qualitative Study

by Shela Akbar Ali Hirani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21020153 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4383

Abstract

Disasters that involve displacement are particularly challenging for managing personal and menstrual hygiene, which can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome, infections and other health conditions that can endanger women’s lives. This study aimed to examine the menstrual hygiene challenges experienced by internally displaced women affected by recurrent natural disasters and subsequent displacement in the context of a low–middle-income country, i.e., Pakistan. A critical ethnographic study was undertaken in disaster-relief camps in the northern region of Pakistan. Data were collected using multiple methods, including field observations, review of media reports and in-depth interviews with 18 women. The findings suggested that the key barriers to the personal and menstrual hygiene of women during recurrent disasters and displacement in the mountainous rural region of Pakistan include inadequate housing, lack of infrastructure and humanitarian aid, no waste disposal system and lack of women-friendly spaces in disaster-relief camps. Community-based collaboration is necessary for the implementation of effective interventions. A comprehensive menstrual response to promote the health and well-being of women during disasters must include menstruation supplies, supportive facilities (mainly toilets and bathing facilities), supplementary supplies for storing, washing and drying, disposal/waste management facilities, education and culturally appropriate spaces and supplies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children)

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 327 KB

Open AccessReview

Health Promotion and Support Grounded in Interconnected Influences on Alcohol Use in Pregnancy

by Nancy Poole, Lindsay Wolfson and Ella Huber

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1309; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081309 - 21 Aug 2025

Viewed by 373

Abstract

There are a range of factors that influence alcohol use in pregnancy and create risk of fetal harm. However, limited research has articulated the multilevel nature of these influences and their entanglement. The purpose of this narrative review is to analyze the types of factors that influence alcohol use and consider what factors need to be addressed in future health promotion and intervention efforts. Six databases were searched using EBSCOhost articles published between January and December 2023 on alcohol use in pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) prevention. English-language articles were screened for relevance and a subset of articles exploring the prevalence, influences, and risk-factors associated with pregnancy were included for analysis. Thirty-two (n = 32) articles were included in the review and categorized into five key areas of influence on maternal alcohol use: (1) informational factors; (2) stress-related factors; (3) social determinant of health-related (SDoH) influences; (4) preconception- and prenatal-health-related factors; and (5) structural factors. Future efforts to reduce alcohol use in pregnancy should address these five categories of factors through non-judgmental, health-promoting, trauma-informed, harm-reduction-oriented, and culturally safe education, programming, and policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children)

9 pages, 303 KB

Open AccessReview

Period Poverty from a Public Health and Legislative Perspective

by Simranjot Mann and Sharon K. Byrne

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(23), 7118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20237118 - 28 Nov 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 9608

Abstract

Period poverty is a global issue that needs to be addressed as a public health crisis. It is directly related to Sustainable Health Goals three, four, five, six, and eight. Period poverty adversely affects the health of anyone capable of menstruating, which is nearly half of the world population, at the physiological, emotional, and psychosocial level. Biases, cultural beliefs, ethical reproductive justice issues, social stigma, and systemic factors contribute to period poverty. Every month, certain menstruators are disproportionately impacted by period poverty and struggle to access basic hygienic necessities. Important stakeholders include not only the individual who experiences menses but also educators and school systems, healthcare professionals, policymakers, public health officials, and researchers. Everyone has a role in addressing period poverty by voting for officials that proactively support legislation, policy, and programs at all levels to effectively advocate for menstrual equity and address barriers contributing to period poverty. This includes policies that increase access to menstrual hygiene products, safe menstrual management methods, and reproductive and women’s health education. Programs globally that focus on capacity building and sustainability strategies can be used as models to reduce period poverty, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and menstruators’ sense of autonomy, dignity, and equality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children)

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Displaying articles 1-6

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI