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Maternal and Children Health and Family Planning

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 15579

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Joseph Telfair

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Guest Editor

Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
Interests: maternal and child health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the rapid development of medical and public health practice and interventions, maternal and child health (MCH) remains a public health challenge of global concern. Various factors causing of maternal, infant and child morbidity and mortality may combine, resulting in poor maternal health and birth outcomes. Health conditions unique to women, the impact of traumas on pregnancy outcomes and genetic expression, and preconception and interconception health underscore social, structural and systemic inequities in approaches to care for vulnerable populations. Improving the health of mothers, infants and children remains an important public health priority.

It is recognized that efforts toward this end must identify the links between the social determinants of health and maternal, child and family health outcomes. One such identified link that has universally proven to be an impactful factor whose management can improve MCH outcomes is targeted family planning. Family planning as an intervention strategy is cost-effective in the short and long term. As a policy for practice, it focuses on women’s empowerment and works to reduce the causes of poor social and health outcomes and the challenges experienced by children and families, including poverty. Evidence from many studies makes clear that effective family planning has helped women and men to exercise their rights in making voluntary and informed decisions on the spacing of childbirth and the number of children they would like to have, as well as on sexual reproductive health and on key issues for women regarding birth, prenatal and postpartum care, prevention of the leading causes of maternal mortality and contemporary strategies to improve related outcomes. Furthermore, family planning has proven helpful in reducing health risks for mothers and children and the burden of life difficulties in at-risk populations in middle- and low-income countries.

This Special Issue seeks to collect and publish evidence-based research studies on family planning and maternal and child health that will:

Examine the relative health experiences and MCH outcomes in populations subject to social, economic, geographic, and health or healthcare disparities
Evaluate risk factors and etiologies related to observed social, economic, geographic and health inequalities/disparities and provide an understanding of the factors that imped family planning and maternal and child health best practices.
Study new or existing interventions, particularly for at-risk groups, designed to improve social, economic, policy, geographic and health outcomes in at-risk populations.

Rigorous quantitative and qualitative empirical studies, policy studies and high-quality systematic reviews will be considered.

Prof. Dr. Joseph Telfair
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.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

8 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Outcomes of Pregnancy Termination of Dead Fetus in Utero in Second Trimester by Misoprostol with Various Regimens

by Saipin Pongsatha, Nuchanart Suntornlimsiri and Theera Tongsong

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12655; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912655 - 3 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1296

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy and adverse outcomes of misoprostol with various regimens for the second-trimester-pregnancy termination of a dead fetus in utero (DFIU). Patients and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study, based on the prospective database, was conducted on pregnancies with dead fetuses in utero in the second trimester. All patients underwent pregnancy termination with various regimens of misoprostol. Results: A total of 199 pregnancies meeting the inclusion criteria were included. The mean age of the participants and the mean gestational age were 30.2 years and 21.1 weeks, respectively. The two most common regimens were 400 mcg injected intravaginally every six hours and 400 mcg taken orally every four hours. In the analysis of the overall efficacy, including all regimens, the mean fetal delivery time was 18.9 h. When considering only the cases involving a delivery within 48 h (success cases), the mean fetal delivery time was 13.6 h. The rates of fetal delivery for all cases at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h were 50.3%, 83.8%, 89.3%, and 93.9%. In the comparison between the various regimens, there were no significant differences in the rate of fetal delivery at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h and adverse effects such as chill, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other parameters such as the requirement for intravenous analgesia, the requirement for curettage for incomplete abortions, the mean total dose of misoprostol, and the rate of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Nevertheless, the rate of fever was significantly higher in the regimen of intravaginal insertion of 400 mcg every six hours and that of the requirement for oxytocin was significantly higher in the regimen of oral supplementation of 400 mcg every four hours. Conclusions: The overall success rate within 48 h was 93.6%, which was not different among the various misoprostol regimens. In addition, there were no significant differences in the mean fetal delivery times and the rates of fetal delivery at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. However, some parameters such as fever, oxytocin requirement, and mean total dose of misoprostol were statistically significant between regimens. In the aspect of global health, misoprostol can be a good option in clinical practice, especially in geographical areas with low-resource levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Children Health and Family Planning)

11 pages, 345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Validation of a Questionnaire to Assess the Perception of Women with Atopic Dermatitis in Family Planning

by Sara Alcantara-Luna, Ricardo Ruiz-Villaverde, Javier Domínguez-Cruz, Manuel Galán-Gutiérrez, Francisco Navarro-Triviño, Jose-Juan Pereyra-Rodriguez and Jose-Carlos Armario-Hita

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10753; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710753 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly frequent chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is important to know how women with AD approach family planning together with their disease. The aim of the present research is to develop and validate a questionnaire for women diagnosed with AD in order to measure their level of desire and gestational information. Materials and Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Women between 18 and 45 years old with mild, moderate, and severe forms of the disease were included and disease-free controls. An exploratory factorial analysis of the primary components and varimax rotation was used to measure the validity of the construct. Cronbach’s α was used to measure the reliability of the individual scales and the global questionnaire. Results: In total, 150 valid questionnaires were included. The final questionnaire consisted of 23 items that converged on six factors. The six scales had adequate reliability: “Pregnancy” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95), “Conception” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93), “Concern-information” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82), “Breastfeeding” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81), “Sexual life” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79), and “Family planning” (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.67). The total Cronbach’s alpha of the questionnaire was 0.94. Discussion: This questionnaire is the first specific measurement instrument developed for women with AD of childbearing age that has demonstrated adequate levels of reliability and construct validity. We consider it useful and valuable to study aspects such as family planning in this patient profile, and that can influence their decision to have offspring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Children Health and Family Planning)

10 pages, 626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transition to Motherhood of Mothers Receiving Continuity of Child-Rearing Support

by Mai Itai, Shizuka Harada, Ryoko Nakazato and Shinobu Sakurai

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148440 - 11 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2139

Abstract

Clarifying the transition to motherhood based on the experience of mothers receiving continuity of child-rearing support is expected to promote the transition, and enhance nursing support. This study clarifies the transition process by which mothers recognize and adapt to new roles with continuity of child-rearing support in Japan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 mothers who received continuity of child-rearing support. Directed content analysis based on Meleis’s Transition Theory was used to analyze the results and define a framework for analyzing the transition. A theoretical framework was identified based on the Transition Theory themes. Engagement in terms of proactive involvement in pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing was a transition property. Maintaining the mother’s well-being, building new relationships and connections, and reflecting on child-rearing in the community were transition conditions. For patterns of response, the process indicators comprised having a sense of connection with the community and reflecting on one’s child-rearing objectively. Increased readiness for child-rearing and identity re-shaping were outcome indicators. The results suggest that it is important to enhance mothers’ readiness for child-rearing for transition to motherhood, and to promote the reshaping of their identities through continuity of support from pregnancy to postpartum child-rearing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Children Health and Family Planning)

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10 pages, 343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Radio Communications on Family Planning: Case of West Africa

by Jaehyun Ahn, Gary Briers, Mathew Baker, Edwin Price, Robert Strong, Manuel Piña, Alexis Zickafoose and Peng Lu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4577; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084577 - 11 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2615

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa will accommodate more population this century by having a multitude of births across the continent. Family planning methods provide women with techniques to manage their health and wellbeing. This study investigated how radio communications in family planning changed the perception of Ghanaian, Liberian, and Senegalese mothers toward having fewer children. Univariate and multivariate linear regression results after coarsened exact matching (CEM) with selected covariates for 15- to 49-year-old mothers from demographic and health survey (DHS) data implied the effectiveness of radio communications. This effort supports the need for further research on tailored communication methods for West African mothers over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Children Health and Family Planning)

12 pages, 489 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Quantile Regression Analysis of Factors Associated with First-Time Maternal Fatigue in Korea

by Jeongok Park, Chang Gi Park and Kyoungjin Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010215 - 25 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2439

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify the factors associated with different percentiles of first-time maternal fatigue. A total of 123 first-time healthy mothers aged 18 years or older participated through an online survey. The fatigue was measured by the Korean version of the fatigue severity scale. Main variables were constructed based on the integrated fatigue model, which included mothers’ sleep quality, parenting stress, the amount of free time mothers have, the number of the child’s night wakings, general characteristics including socioeconomic status, and working status. Quantile regression was used to analyze the associated factors according to the fatigue level of first-time mothers with a young child. The mean age of the mothers and children were 32.11 years and 20.81 months, respectively. Mean fatigue score was 6.16 among the 75% quantile with high fatigue score. Lack of adequate free time in mothers, advanced maternal age, being a housewife, having a moderate income, and frequent night wakings of their child significantly increased fatigue among mothers in the third quantile of fatigue. To reduce fatigue, healthcare providers should focus on exploring ways to reduce maternal sleep disturbance and improve maternal sleep quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Children Health and Family Planning)

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12 pages, 1224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Vitamin B12 Supplementation Is Associated with Clinical Pregnancy and Live Birth in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology

by Michela Cirillo, Rossella Fucci, Sara Rubini, Maria Elisabetta Coccia and Cinzia Fatini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(23), 12280; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312280 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3141

Abstract

The homocysteine pathway in the preconception period should be evaluated to highlight micronutrient deficiencies and warrants optimal multivitamin supplementation, before Assisted Reproduction, as preconception care. We conducted a retrospective study aimed at investigating the role of vitamin B complex (5-methyltetrahydrofolate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6) supplement use compared with the role of only folic acid supplement use, in relation to clinical pregnancy and live birth in infertile women undergoing homologous ART. We investigated 269 Caucasian women referred to the Centre for Assisted Reproductive Technology for homologous ART. In these women, 111 (Group A) were daily supplemented with vitamin B complex and 158 (Group B) with only folic acid. In group A the mean number of Metaphase II oocytes and the 2PN Fertilization Rate were higher in comparison to group A (p = 0.04; p = 0.05, respectively). A higher percentage of women in group A had a clinical pregnancy and live birth in comparison to group B (p = 0.01; p = 0.02, respectively). Vitamin B complex supplementation remained independently associated, after multivariable adjustment, with clinical pregnancy (OR 2.03, p = 0.008) and live birth (OR 1.83, p = 0.03). Women supplemented with 5-MTHF and vitamin B12, have a higher chance of clinical pregnancy and live birth in comparison to those supplemented with only folic acid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Children Health and Family Planning)

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11 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Obstetrical Soft Tissue Trauma during Spontaneous Vaginal Birth in the Romanian Adolescent Population—Multicentric Comparative Study with Adult Population

by Alexandra Matei, Elena Poenaru, Mihai Cornel Traian Dimitriu, Cristina Zaharia, Crîngu Antoniu Ionescu, Dan Navolan and Cristian George Furău

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11491; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111491 - 31 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1719

Abstract

Romania is a country with high rates of adolescent births, associating scarce comprehensive obstetrical management with this specific population. This research aims to assess soft tissue trauma after vaginal birth in teenage mothers compared to their adult counterparts. A retrospective case-control study was conducted for one year in two hospitals. All vaginal deliveries were considered; the age cut-off value was considered at 20 years old for case and control groups. Lacerations were divided into three subgroups, considering the involved anatomical region; group I: labial and periurethral lacerations, group II: vaginal and perineal lacerations, and group III: cervical lacerations. There were 1498 women included in the study: 298 young mothers and 1200 adults. Teenagers were more likely to have an episiotomy during vaginal delivery compared to adult women: 56% versus 26.7% (p = 0.00, Pearson Chi-square) and a 1.89 times increased risk for developing additional group II lacerations: p = 0.01, Pearson Chi-square test with Bonferroni correction: OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.18–3.02. Group II lacerations were the most frequent type of birth trauma in both study groups. Fetal weight ≥4000 g was associated with a two times higher risk for vaginal and perineal lacerations when age criterion was not considered (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.13–3.47, p = 0.01). The incidence of group I and II lacerations increased with age: from 0% and 9.1% between 10 and 14 years old to 6% and 26.2% between 18 and 19 years old. All groups of lacerations were more often identified in the case group, compared to the adult group. Fetal macrosomia and spontaneously ruptured membranes at admission could not be documented as risk factors for obstetrical injury in young mothers. Episiotomy performed in teenagers was not a protective procedure for group II lacerations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Maternal and Children Health and Family Planning)

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