Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.5
Journals
IJERPH
Special Issues
Improving the Quality of Maternity Care
ijerph-logo
Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Improving the Quality of Maternity Care

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2026 | Viewed by 7060

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Ruth E. Zielinski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Health Behavior and Biological Sciences Department, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Interests: maternal health; midwifery education; respectful maternity care; sexual health; group antenatal care
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

While there have been improvements in maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity globally over the past two decades, these improvements have not been universal. Some regions have seen little to no progress, and in countries like the United States, maternal mortality has even increased [1]. Maternity care must incorporate evidence-based interventions that respect women’s preferences. Central to all maternity care is the provision of respectful care, which the World Health Organization defines as including freedom from abuse and violence, informed consent, privacy, effective communication and shared decision-making, dignity, respect, safety, and justice [2]. To successfully reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, access to quality care is essential at every stage of the childbearing process. This includes comprehensive reproductive health services, antenatal care, intrapartum care, and postnatal care. Improving maternal and newborn outcomes in a way that is inclusive and reduces disparities is achievable, but it requires sustained and coordinated efforts from both providers and policymakers.

  1. UNFPA, UNICEF, Organization WH, Group WB, Division the UNP. Trends in Maternal Mortality: 2000 to 2017|UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund. WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group and the United Nations Population Division. Published online 2019:104.
  2. World Health Organization. Intrapartum Care for a Positive Childbirth Experience WHO Recommendations.; 2018. Accessed August 1, 2020. http://apps.who.int/bookorders.

Dr. Ruth E. Zielinski
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

  • pregnancy
  • childbirth
  • postpartum
  • maternal health
  • perinatal outcomes
  • respectful maternity care
  • evidence based maternity care
  • obstetric care
  • midwifery care

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 expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

19 pages, 350 KB  
Article
The Intersection of Intimate Partner Violence, Life Stressors, and Perinatal Loss Among Black Women from the United States: Implications for Enhancing Maternity Care Quality and Public Health Practice
by Jeri M. Antilla, Amy C. Buckenmeyer, Linda M. DiClemente and Madeline Carlin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(11), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22111613 - 23 Oct 2025
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and life stressors, such as housing instability, unsafe neighborhoods, and lack of support, significantly impact maternal and fetal health, potentially leading to perinatal loss. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of 22 Black women in the United States [...] Read more.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and life stressors, such as housing instability, unsafe neighborhoods, and lack of support, significantly impact maternal and fetal health, potentially leading to perinatal loss. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of 22 Black women in the United States who identified IPV and other stressors as contributing factors to their perinatal loss. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with women who had experienced perinatal loss and were either pregnant or had given birth after a loss. Descriptive coding and thematic analysis were used in analyzing the data, revealing three main themes: pregnancy in the context of IPV, unsafe and unstable living environments, and challenges in finding support. Women perceived IPV and life stressors as direct causes of their loss, complicating their ability to heal and increasing their anxiety about future pregnancies. This study underscores the importance of addressing IPV and related stressors within maternity care. Maternity care providers should recognize signs of IPV and significant life stressors, provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive care, and facilitate access to supportive services. These insights inform perinatal public health strategies, including surveillance, prevention, and responsive policy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving the Quality of Maternity Care)
13 pages, 282 KB  
Article
Improving Decision-to-Incision Interval (DDI) of Emergency Cesarean Sections Through Mobile-Based Obstetric Emergency System (MORES) and Midwife-Led Triage in Bong County, Liberia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
by HaEun Lee, Sunghae Kim, Joseph Sieka, Wahdae-Mai Harmon-Gray, Philip T. Veliz and Jody R. Lori
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(10), 1596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101596 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 120
Abstract
Background: Delays in emergency cesarean section (CS) remain a major contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity in low-resource settings. This study evaluated the combined effect of a mobile-based obstetric emergency system (MORES) and a midwife-led triage program on the decision-to-incision interval (DDI) [...] Read more.
Background: Delays in emergency cesarean section (CS) remain a major contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity in low-resource settings. This study evaluated the combined effect of a mobile-based obstetric emergency system (MORES) and a midwife-led triage program on the decision-to-incision interval (DDI) and related outcomes in Liberia. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with an interrupted time series design was conducted in Bong County across two district hospitals receiving referrals from 20 rural health facilities. Seventy-two women referred for emergency CS were observed at baseline, midline, and endline. MORES used WhatsApp-based communication to improve referral coordination, while the triage program trained midwives to rapidly assess cases using a color-coded system. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon rank-sum, chi-squared tests, and logistic regression. Results: By endline, the median DDI decreased by 117.5 min compared to baseline (95% CI: −205.1 to −29.9). Women were significantly more likely to receive a CS within 75 min (AOR: 11.7; 95% CI: 1.32 to 104.5). No maternal deaths occurred. Neonatal mortality was observed but not significantly associated with DDI. Conclusions: MORES and midwife-led triage substantially improved the timeliness of emergency CS in a resource-constrained setting. These low-cost, feasible strategies warrant further evaluation for sustainability and impact on neonatal outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving the Quality of Maternity Care)
15 pages, 274 KB  
Article
Providers’ Perceptions of Respectful Maternity Care and Enabling Conditions in a Regional Hospital: A Qualitative Study
by Sthembile P. Zwane and Lawrence Chauke
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(10), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101570 - 15 Oct 2025
Viewed by 385
Abstract
Globally, women continue to die from pregnancy-related conditions that could be prevented through ensuring timely access to emergency obstetric care and facility-based deliveries supervised by skilled birth attendants. However, many women are reluctant to deliver in maternity healthcare facilities due to the widespread [...] Read more.
Globally, women continue to die from pregnancy-related conditions that could be prevented through ensuring timely access to emergency obstetric care and facility-based deliveries supervised by skilled birth attendants. However, many women are reluctant to deliver in maternity healthcare facilities due to the widespread disrespect and abuse that patients have reportedly received. Respectful maternity care has been identified amongst the possible solutions. This study explored perceptions of respectful maternity care and the enabling conditions of a multidisciplinary group of maternity healthcare providers working at a busy, specialised public mother and child regional hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. An explorative, descriptive, and contextual study design with a phenomenological perspective was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each of the 30 purposefully selected study participants. The interviews were digitally recorded, professionally transcribed, and analysed using Tesch’s Constant Comparison method. Two main categories, namely (1) healthcare providers’ perceptions of respectful maternity care and (2) enabling conditions for its practice emerged, encompassing seven themes: women-centred care, provision of high-quality care, preservation and promotion of women’s rights, creating an enabling environment for the practice of RMC, in-service training, accountability of healthcare providers for their actions, and community involvement. The perceptions of the study participants regarding respectful maternity care align with global standards; however, successful implementation requires the establishment of enabling conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving the Quality of Maternity Care)
15 pages, 476 KB  
Article
Exploring Women’s Perceived Quality of Antenatal Care: A Cross-Sectional Study in The Netherlands
by Evelien Cellissen, Marijke Hendrix, Maaike Vogels-Broeke, Luc Budé and Marianne Nieuwenhuijze
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(9), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22091392 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1283
Abstract
Evaluating antenatal care quality involves understanding women’s experiences and their impact on pregnancy outcomes. This study examines how pregnant women in the Netherlands perceive the quality of antenatal care and which factors are related to these perceptions, with a focus on continuity of [...] Read more.
Evaluating antenatal care quality involves understanding women’s experiences and their impact on pregnancy outcomes. This study examines how pregnant women in the Netherlands perceive the quality of antenatal care and which factors are related to these perceptions, with a focus on continuity of care. We conducted a cross-sectional study (2019–2020) among 1165 pregnant women (>32 weeks). Perceived quality of care was measured using the Pregnancy and Childbirth Questionnaire. Experienced continuity of care was measured using the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire. Regression analyses explored associated factors across both community and hospital care settings. Most women reported moderate-to-high levels of perceived quality. Personal continuity from community midwives, team continuity, and the presence of a coordinating care professional were associated with higher perceived quality. The use of a maternity care plan showed no association. Our findings suggest that involvement of a community midwife enhances perceived quality of antenatal care. Key contributing factors include continuity of care and experiencing a coordinating care professional. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving the Quality of Maternity Care)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 285 KB  
Article
A Quasi-Experimental Study: Social Support in Group Prenatal Care’s Impact on Postpartum Depression in Black and Hispanic Women
by Keisha A. Robinson, Tarnisha Ebony Hemphill and Robert O. Atlas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 1046; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22071046 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 2639
Abstract
Depression is a widespread mental health condition that affects millions of women globally. In the United States (U.S.), more than half of maternal mental health-related deaths occur during the postpartum period, making it the leading cause of mortality during this time. This urban [...] Read more.
Depression is a widespread mental health condition that affects millions of women globally. In the United States (U.S.), more than half of maternal mental health-related deaths occur during the postpartum period, making it the leading cause of mortality during this time. This urban U.S. single-site quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of social support integrated into group prenatal care as an intervention for postpartum depression. The study employed a dual methodological approach, combining prospective participant recruitment with a retrospective analysis of medical records. It compared the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores from group prenatal care to those from traditional individualized prenatal care, specifically focusing on Black and Hispanic women. In all, 200 postpartum women participated in the study, comprising (n = 100) group prenatal care and (n = 100) traditional individualized care. Most participants were Black (97%), with an average age of 26.8 years (SD = 5.9). At six weeks postpartum, 97% of the participants underwent depression screening, which indicated a mean EPDS score of 3.79 (SD = 4.7). Among the participants, 25% exhibited mild to moderate postpartum depression, while 3% experienced severe depression. No significant differences were observed between the models of care in terms of total scores (T = 2.0, p = 0.46) or score ranges (χ2 = 5.8, p = 0.12). It is noteworthy that no severe cases of depression were identified within the group prenatal care model. Suggesting group prenatal care may still benefit Black and Hispanic women in urban areas with a history of anxiety or depression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving the Quality of Maternity Care)
17 pages, 1542 KB  
Article
Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Aromatherapy Footbath for Stimulating Onset of Labor in Term Pregnant Women
by Yuriko Tadokoro and Kaori Takahata
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(6), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22060950 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1175
Abstract
We evaluated the feasibility of a new research methodology designed for conducting a future, large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). This future RCT is aimed at evaluating the effects of repeated aromatherapy footbaths on stimulating the onset of labor. Herein, we conducted a pilot [...] Read more.
We evaluated the feasibility of a new research methodology designed for conducting a future, large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). This future RCT is aimed at evaluating the effects of repeated aromatherapy footbaths on stimulating the onset of labor. Herein, we conducted a pilot RCT with two arms among low-risk pregnant women at or beyond 39 weeks of gestation before labor onset. These two arms consisted of a treatment group performing aromatherapy footbaths twice a day (n = 7) and a usual care group (n = 8). This study was prospectively registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of the University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan (UMIN000037398). Feasibility was assessed across the domains of acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, process, resources, and management using questionnaires, researcher records, and semi-structured interviews with the treatment group and midwives at the setting facility. The new research methodology was found to be feasible, although challenges were identified in the process and implementation. For process, the research participation rate was 55.5%. For implementation, the adherence rate among the multiparous participants in the treatment group ranged from 50% to 94%. An imbalance between both groups was found. Areas that need careful planning and methodological improvements include random allocation, treatment method, and participation criteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving the Quality of Maternity Care)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop