<p>Qualitative assessment of knowledge transfer regarding preterm birth in Malawi following the implementation of targeted health messages over 3 years</p>

Abstract

Background: In 2012, we performed a needs assessment and gap analysis to qualitatively assess providers' and patients' knowledge and perceptions regarding preterm birth (PTB). During the study, we identified knowledge gaps surrounding methods to reduce the risk of occurrence of PTB and management options if preterm labor/birth occur. We targeted health messages toward these gaps. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of our community health worker-based patient education program 3 years after it was implemented. Methods: Fifteen focus groups including 70 participants were included in the study. The groups comprised either patients/patient couples or health providers. A minimum of two facilitators led each group using 22 a priori designed and standardized lead-in prompts for participants with four additional prompts for providers only. A single researcher recorded responses, and transcript notes were reviewed by the facilitators and interpreters immediately following each group discussion to ensure accuracy. Results: The understanding of term vs preterm gestation was generally accurate. Every participant knew of women who had experienced PTB, and the general perception was that two to three women out of every ten had this experience. The majority of respondents thought that women should present to their local health clinic if they experience preterm contractions; few were aware of the use of antenatal steroids for promoting fetal lung maturity, but many acknowledged that the neonate may be able to receive life-sustaining treatment if born at a higher level of care facility. The majority of participants were aware that PTB could recur in subsequent pregnancies. All respondents were able to list ways that women could potentially reduce the risk of PTB. Conclusion: After employing targeted health messages, the majority of participants expressed improved understanding of the definition of PTB, methods to prevent risk of PTB, and management options for preterm labor or PTB.

Population-Based Estimation of the Preterm Birth Rate in Lilongwe, Malawi: Making Every Birth Count

“…Some communities also have to pay a fine which is imposed upon women who purposely deliver at home. 46 This fine was created to disincentivize home births, but in this study, it may have led to underreporting of home births. This can also make it challenging to determine how many deliveries are not captured by local or health center delivery logs.…”

Existing barriers to utilization of health services for maternal and newborn care in rural Western Kenya

“…Additionally, the community health workers (CHWs) are the first point of contact for interventions and provide essential link to health services and indeed the CHWs have been involved in promoting behaviour change through health education, early case identification and timely referral to the health facilities [20]. Due to their role in the community, care of mothers and new-born has improved the knowledge on risk and management [21] . Nevertheless, with the low birth rate at the health facilities, there is a dire need to improve their roles especially in motivation for women to change behaviour surrounding birth, delivery and new-born care [22,23].…”

Identification of the correlations between interleukin-27 (IL-27) and immune-inflammatory imbalance in preterm birth

“…Worse yet, PTB is not only the major cause of neonatal mortality (>27%), but also the reason for the morbidity increase (cerebral palsy, growth retardation, etc.) of surviving newborns, adversely affecting their long-term quality of life [4][5][6]. Thus, presently, PTB is a focal concern in obstetrics and a severe socioeconomic problem for every country [7].…”