Use of Public Health Nursing Services: Relationship to Adequacy of Prenatal Care and Infant Outcome

Abstract

Timing of initial public health nurse contact and number of nurse contacts were examined for their relationship to adequacy of prenatal physician care, infant birthweight, and gestational age. Three historical cohort groups were drawn from three downstate Illinois counties: 1) public health nursing clients (N = 506); 2) Women, Infant, and Children Nutrition Program clients (N = 314); and 3) clients receiving neither of these services (N = 403). Data were obtained from local health department records and a state birth certificate data tape. Descriptive statistics and logistic and multiple regression were used to analyze data. Timing of initial public health contact was significantly correlated to adequacy of prenatal physician contact and infant gestational age. No relationship was found between either timing of initial public health nursing contact or number of these contacts and infant birthweight. The number of public health nursing and physician contacts exerted an additive effect on birthweight and gestational age. Findings lend support for case-finding activities that result in public health nursing contacts early in pregnancy. The importance of multidisciplinary approaches to prenatal care is suggested.

Performing a Program Evaluation in a Family Case Management Program: Determining Outcomes for Low Birthweight Deliveries

“…This evaluation showed a strong association between early PHN contact and increased physician prenatal services, as was noted in another research study ( Baldwin & Chen, 1996). The timing of initial PHN contact coincided with the trimester of access to prenatal care, which was markedly improved in the second pregnancy.…”

“…Numerous research studies have shown that early and adequate prenatal care can dramatically improve birthweight outcomes and infant health outcomes ( Poland et al, 1990; Goldfarb et al, 1991; Hulsey, Patrick, Alexander, & Ebeling, 1991; Fink, Yano, & Goya, 1992). Baldwin and Chen (1996) showed significant correlation between the timing of initial public health nursing contact and adequacy of prenatal physician contact.…”

Prenatal Risk Factors Among Foreign‐Born Central American Women: A Comparative Study

“…A study of intervention methods most preferred by mothers from Central America found that home visits by a PHN and home visits by a lay health worker were preferred over other current intervention methods including the use of videos, clinic group presentations, and brochures (Gaffney, 1995). Baldwin and Chen (1996) recommended that greater emphasis must be placed on outreach programs using lay health workers in conjunction with PHN case‐finding to bolster early initiation of PHN prenatal services.…”

“…Initiation of PHN services was examined for two reasons. First, Baldwin and Chen (1996) determined that, except for their own work, no studies have examined this variable in relation to other prenatal risk factors or infant health outcomes. Since initial PHN services include important anticipatory guidance including smoking cessation, discontinuing alcohol and drug use, and following safe sex and good nutrition practices that have impact on prenatal behaviors and LBW outcomes, this omission in clinical research is significant.…”