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Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children
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Health Promotion and Interventions for Marginalized Mothers and Children

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: 31 May 2024 | Viewed by 6477

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

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 1009 KiB  
Article
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
Viewed by 742
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 [...] Read more.
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)
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13 pages, 308 KiB  
Article
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
Viewed by 1597
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 [...] Read more.
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

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9 pages, 303 KiB  
Review
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
Viewed by 3302
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 [...] Read more.
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)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: 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
Authors: Maiken Pontoppidan *1; Lene Nygaard 2,3; Jonas Cuzulan Hirani 1; Mette Thorsager 1; Mette Friis-Hansen1; Deborah Davis,2 and Ellen Aagaard Nohr 3,4
Affiliation: 1 VIVE –The Danish Centre for Social Science Research Herluf Trolles Gade 11, 1052 Copenhagen, Denmark 2 University of Canberra and ACT Health, Australia 3 Research Unit for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark 4 Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
Abstract: Background: Health inequality can have profound short- and long-term effects on a child’s life. Infants need a responsive environment but maternal mental health challenges can hinder bonding and contribute to impaired functioning and poorer child health outcomes. The Family Clinic and Municipality - FACAM intervention consists of extra support by a health nurse or family therapist during pregnancy and until the child starts school. This study examined the effects of the FACAM intervention offered to vulnerable pregnant women during pregnancy and the child’s first year of life. Methods: We randomized 331 pregnant women to either FACAM intervention or usual care. Participants were assessed at baseline, and when the infant is 3 and 12 months old. The primary outcome is maternal sensitivity measured by the Coding Interactive Behavior (CIB) instrument. Secondary outcomes include prenatal parental reflective functioning, mental well-being, depressive symptoms, breastfeeding duration, maternal satisfaction, child development, parent competence, parental stress, and activities with the child. Results: We find that CAU children are significantly more involved than FACAM children when the child is 4-6 months old (b = -0.25, [-0.42;-0.08] d = -0.42). However, this result is likely due to a biased drop out. We do not find any significant differences on any of the other included outcomes. Consequently, we conclude that, regarding outcomes related to child development and parent-child interaction, the FACAM interaction does not seem superior to care as usual. Trial registration: The study was registered on September 6, 2018, at Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03659721. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03659721 Keywords: Pregnant, mother, mental health, support, multidisciplinary, early intervention, vulnerable families, disadvantaged populations, poverty, parent, substance use, high risk, randomized controlled trial, qualitative

Title: Physical and Mental Health in Motherhood: Why Income Matters and Why Outdoor Time Can Make a Difference
Authors: Fyfe-Johnson AL, Noonan CJ, Butcher MB, Haakenstad MK
Affiliation: Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
Abstract: Outdoor time is positively associated with improved physical and mental health in adults. Little is known about the specific effects in motherhood or maternal perspectives regarding outdoor time for their children. The objective of this research was to use a mixed methods approach to identify: 1) the association between outdoor time and physical and mental health in mothers; and 2) whether socioeconomic status acts as an effect modifier of the association between outdoor time and physical and mental health in mothers. Participants were recruited from three stakeholder groups: preschool educators (control), mothers of children attending an outdoor preschool, and mothers in the local community with children. All participants completed a health needs assessment (N=49) to assess demographics, mental and physical health outcomes, and perspectives on outdoor time. Mothers in the higher income group (≥$70,000) had a 37% lower prevalence of overweight or obesity and were 41% more likely to report very good or excellent self-reported health. Mean anxiety, depression, and perceived stress were lower in the higher income group. Self-reported outdoor time appeared to be protective for general health and overweight and obesity prevalence, independent of income. Outdoor time may be a critical protective factor to enhance biological resilience for mothers, especially for mothers facing financial adversity.

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