Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Ensnared Care: How Restrictive Healthcare Laws Impact Mothers, Mckenzie Richards

School of Public Policy Capstones

Do restrictive healthcare policies impact whether expectant mothers receive adequate prenatal care? Could such policies also affect access to alternative birthing options for delivery? Through a literature review and a two-way fixed effects model using panel data, this study investigates two categories of state-level restrictive healthcare policies: scope of practice laws and certificate of need laws. The literature demonstrates the detriments of scope of practice care on access to care and maternal health. However, the statistical models presented on scope of practice find no relationship between scope of practice laws and adequate prenatal care or alternative birthing options. Though the …

Neonatal Outcomes In The Surgical Management Of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders: A Retrospective Single-Center Observational Study From 468 Vietnamese Pregnancies Beyond 28 Weeks Of Gestation, Phuc Nhon Nguyen, Anh Dinh Bao Vuong, Xuan Trang Thi Pham

Faculty and Staff Publications

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PASDs) increase the mortality rate for mothers and newborns over a decade. Thus, the purpose of the study is to evaluate the neonatal outcomes in emergency cesarean section (CS) and planned surgery as well as in Cesarean hysterectomy and the modified one-step conservative uterine surgery (MOSCUS). The secondary aim is to reveal the factors relating to poor neonatal outcomes.

METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study conducted between 2019 and 2020 at Tu Du Hospital, in the southern region of Vietnam. A total of 497 pregnant women involved in PASDs beyond 28 weeks of gestation …

Breastfeeding Initiation, Duration, And Associated Factors Among People With Hepatitis C Virus Infection, Jennifer L Grasch, Jessica A De Voest, George R Saade, Brenna L Hughes, Uma M Reddy, Maged M Costantine, Edward K Chien, Alan T N Tita, John M Thorp, Torri D Metz, Ronald J Wapner, Vishakha Sabharwal, Hyagriv N Simhan, Geeta K Swamy, Kent D Heyborne, Baha M Sibai, William A Grobman, Yasser Y El-Sayed, Brian M Casey, Samuel Parry, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute Of Child Health And Human Development (Nichd) Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (Mfmu) Network

Student and Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: To characterize breastfeeding behaviors and identify factors associated with breastfeeding initiation among people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of a multicenter observational cohort of pregnant people with singleton gestations and HCV seropositivity. This analysis includes individuals with data on breastfeeding initiation and excludes those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection. The primary outcome was self-reported initiation of breastfeeding or provision of expressed breast milk. Secondary outcomes included duration of breastfeeding. Demographic and obstetric characteristics were compared between those who initiated breastfeeding and those who did not to identify associated factors. Univariable and …

Preeclampsia In Ghana: A Study On The Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Postpartum Readmission In The Ashanti Region, Enoch Odame Anto, Wina Ivy Ofori Boadu, Lovelace Kwaku Gyamfi, Emmanuel Ekow Korsah, Ezekiel Ansah, Joseph Frimpong, Valentine Christian Kodzo Tsatsu Tamakloe, Augustine Tawiah, Elizabeth Aboagye, Albright Etwi-Mensah, Agartha Odame Anto, Christian Obirikorang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Despite significant improvements in its management, preeclampsia continues to be one of the frequent causes of postpartum readmission. Increased awareness of the risk factors for postpartum readmission is required to reduce its incidence and related complications. This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors for postpartum readmission among women with preexisting preeclampsia in a Ghanaian population. Methods: This hospital-based retrospective study was conducted at the obstetrics and gynaecology units of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. We reviewed the medical records including sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics of preeclampsia patients. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social …

Study Protocol For A Stepped-Wedge Cluster (Nested) Randomized Controlled Trial Of Antenatal Colostrum Expression (Ace) Instruction In First-Time Mothers: The Ace Study, Cassandra Cuffe, Roslyn Giglia, Matthew N. Cooper, Julie Hill, Desiree Silva, Anita M. Moorhead, Valerie Verhasselt, Joshua R. Lewis, Deborah Ireson, Jill R. Demirci, Talea Cotte, Kathryn Webb, Frances Patey, Therese A. O’Sullivan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Although many mothers initiate breastfeeding, supplementation with human-milk substitutes (formula) during the birth hospitalization is common and has been associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Colostrum hand expressed in the last few weeks before birth, known as antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), can be used instead of human-milk substitutes. However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of ACE on breastfeeding outcomes and in non-diabetic mothers. Methods and Planned Analysis: This multicenter stepped-wedge cluster (nested) randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 945 nulliparous pregnant individuals. The trial is conducted in two phases. During Phase 1, control group participants are under standard care. …

Does Intrauterine Exposure To Diabetes Impact Mental And Motor Skills? A Meta-Analysis Of The Bayley Scales Of Infant Development, Diana Arabiat, Mahammad Al Jabery, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Attempts to conduct meta-analyses of the association between child development and diabetes have been limited by the wide range of tools and definitions of developmental outcomes used in the literature. We aim to meta-analyze a widely used measure of child development, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, with respect to exposure to diabetes and developmental scores. Methods: PsycINFO, MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Emcare, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Two independent reviewers screened, extracted, and quality-appraised the studies using JBI SUMARI software. Forest plots were created with the standardized mean difference using the random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I2. …

Maternal Health Considerations: Highlighting And Advancing Opportunities For Improved Maternal Health, Caitlin Fox-Harding

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The special collection on Maternal Health Considerations offers a comprehensive exploration of critical issues surrounding maternal well-being across diverse contexts and disciplines. Recognising that maternal health extends beyond the physiological realm, this collection delves into the multifaceted dimensions of maternal well-being, including physical, mental, and socio-ecological factors. The collection comprises a series of interdisciplinary studies that investigate various facets of maternal health, from conception to postpartum stages. It addresses the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and socio-cultural determinants that influence maternal health outcomes. By adopting a holistic approach, the contributors shed light on the interconnectedness of maternal well-being. Key themes …

Metformin Plus Insulin For Preexisting Diabetes Or Gestational Diabetes In Early Pregnancy: The Mompod Randomized Clinical Trial, Kim A Boggess, Arielle Valint, Jerrie S Refuerzo, Noelia Zork, Ashley N Battarbee, Kacey Eichelberger, Gladys A Ramos, Gayle Olson, Celeste Durnwald, Mark B Landon, Kjersti M Aagaard, Kedra Wallace, Christina Scifres, Todd Rosen, Wadia Mulla, Amy Valent, Sherri Longo, Laura Young, M Alison Marquis, Sonia Thomas, Ashley Britt, Diane Berry

Student and Faculty Publications

IMPORTANCE: Insulin is recommended for pregnant persons with preexisting type 2 diabetes or diabetes diagnosed early in pregnancy. The addition of metformin to insulin may improve neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of metformin added to insulin for preexisting type 2 or diabetes diagnosed early in pregnancy on a composite adverse neonatal outcome.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized clinical trial in 17 US centers enrolled pregnant adults aged 18 to 45 years with preexisting type 2 diabetes or diabetes diagnosed prior to 23 weeks' gestation between April 2019 and November 2021. Each participant was treated with insulin and …

Effect Of Antenatal Milk Expression Education On Lactation Outcomes In Birthing People With Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index ≥ 25: Protocol For A Randomized, Controlled Trial, Jill R. Demirci, Melissa Glasser, Debra L. Bogen, Susan M. Sereika, Dianxu Ren, Kristin Ray, Lisa M. Bodnar, Therese A. O'Sullivan, Katherine Himes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Birthing people with pre-pregnancy body mass indices (BMIs) ≥ 25 kg/m2, particularly those without prior breastfeeding experience, are at increased risk for suboptimal lactation outcomes. Antenatal milk expression (AME) may be one way to counteract the negative effects of early infant formula supplementation common in this population. Methods: This ongoing, randomized controlled trial in the United States evaluates the efficacy of a telelactation-delivered AME education intervention versus an attention control condition on lactation outcomes to 1 year postpartum among 280 nulliparous-to-primiparous, non-diabetic birthing people with pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. The assigned study treatment is delivered via four weekly …

Substance Use Among Persons With Syphilis During Pregnancy - Arizona And Georgia, 2018-2021, Jeffrey M Carlson, Ayzsa Tannis, Kate R Woodworth, Megan R Reynolds, Neha Shinde, Breanne Anderson, Keivon Hobeheidar, Aisha Praag, Kristen Campbell, Cynthia Carpentieri, Teri Willabus, Elizabeth Burkhardt, Elizabeth Torrone, Kevin P O'Callaghan, Kathryn Miele, Dana Meaney-Delman, Suzanne M Gilboa, Emily O'Malley Olsen, Van T Tong

Student and Faculty Publications

Despite universal prenatal syphilis screening recommendations and availability of effective antibiotic treatment, syphilis prevalence during pregnancy and the incidence of congenital syphilis have continued to increase in the United States (1,2). Concurrent increases in methamphetamine, injection drug, and heroin use have been described in women with syphilis (3). CDC used data on births that occurred during January 1, 2018-December 31, 2021, from two states (Arizona and Georgia) that participate in the Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Pregnant People and Infants Network (SET-NET) to describe the prevalence of substance use among pregnant persons with syphilis by congenital syphilis pregnancy outcome (defined …

The Impact Of Physical Activity Education During Pregnancy, Lizeth Banuchi

DNP Research Projects

Abstract

Background: Physical Activity (PA) during pregnancy is important to maintain optimal maternal and neonatal health. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) requires close monitoring during pregnancy due to the health risk it can cause to mother and fetus. It is evident that PA can help improve maternal health outcomes to positively offer overall wellness throughout the pregnancy.

Objective: The purpose of this Quality Improvement Project (QIP) is to evaluate the impact of PA education on PA implementation during pregnancy and improve clinical practice for healthcare providers to introduce PA education during prenatal care per ACOG and CESP guidelines.

Method: This quality …

Virtual Home Visits During Covid-19 Pandemic: Mothers' And Home Visitors' Perspectives, Abdullah Al-Taiar, Michele A. Kekeh, Stephanie Ewers, Amy L. Prusinski, Kimberly J. Alombro, Nancy Welch

Community & Environmental Health Faculty Publications

Background

The experiences of mothers enrolled in Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program with virtual home visiting (VHV) during the pandemic remain mostly unknown. This study aimed to describe in detail the experience of home visitors and mothers with VHV during COVID-19 pandemic. This is a prerequisite for guiding future efforts to optimize MIECHV services that are provided through virtual operation.

Methods

Focus groups discussion were conducted with home visitors (n = 13) and mothers (n = 30) who were enrolled in BabyCare program in Virginia from January 2019 to June 2022. This included mothers who received …

Maternal Educational Attainment In Pregnancy And Epigenome-Wide Dna Methylation Changes In The Offspring From Birth Until Adolescence, Priyanka Choudhary, Giulietta S. Monasso, Ville Karhunen, Justiina Ronkainen, Giulia Mancano, Caitlin G. Howe, Zhongzheng Niu, Xuehuo Zeng, Weihua Guan, John Dou, Jason I. Feinberg, Charles Mordaunt, Giancarlo Pesce, Nour Baïz, Rossella Alfano, Dries S. Martens, Congrong Wang, Elena Isaevska, Elina Keikkala, Sanna Mustaniemi, Chris H. L. Thio, Eliza Fraszczyk, Elmar W. Tobi, Anne P. Starling, Marta Cosin-Tomas, Jose Urquiza, Stefan Röder, Thanh T. Hoang, Christian Page, Dereje D. Jima, John S. House, Rachel L. Maguire, Raffael Ott, Xenia Pawlow, Lea Sirignano, Lea Zillich, Anni Malmberg, Sebastian Rauschert, Phillip Melton, Tong Gong, Robert Karlsson, Ruby Fore, Wei Perng, Zachary M. Laubach, Darina Czamara, Gemma Sharp, Carrie V. Breton, Enrique Schisterman, Edwina Yeung, Sunni L. Mumford, M. Daniele Fallin, Janine M. Lasalle, Rebecca J. Schmidt, Kelly M. Bakulski, Isabella Annesi-Maesano, Barbara Heude, Tim S. Nawrot, Michelle Plusquin, Akram Ghantous, Zdenko Herceg, Lorenza Nisticò, Marina Vafeiadi, Manolis Kogevinas, Marja Vääräsmäki, Eero Kajantie, Harold Snieder, Eva Corpeleijn, Regine P. M. Steegers-Theunissen, Ivana V. Yang, Dana Dabelea, Serena Fossati, Ana C. Zenclussen, Gunda Herberth, Maria Magnus, Siri E. Håberg, Stephanie J. London, Monica C. Munthe-Kaas, Susan K. Murphy, Cathrine Hoyo, Anette-G Ziegler, Sandra Hummel, Stephanie H. Witt, Fabian Streit, Josef Frank, Katri Räikkönen, Jari Lahti, Rae-Chi Huang, Catarina Almqvist, Marie-France Hivert, Vincent W. V. Jaddoe, Marjo-Riitta Järvelin, Marko Kantomaa, Janine F. Felix, Sylvain Sebert

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Maternal educational attainment (MEA) shapes offspring health through multiple potential pathways. Differential DNA methylation may provide a mechanistic understanding of these long-term associations. We aimed to quantify the associations of MEA with offspring DNA methylation levels at birth, in childhood and in adolescence. Using 37 studies from high-income countries, we performed meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) to quantify the associations of completed years of MEA at the time of pregnancy with offspring DNA methylation levels at birth (n = 9 881), in childhood (n = 2 017), and adolescence (n = 2 740), adjusting for relevant covariates. MEA was …

My Baby, My Move+: Feasibility Of A Community Prenatal Wellbeing Intervention, Jenn A. Leiferman, Rachael Lacy, Jessica Walls, Charlotte V. Farewell, Mary K. Dinger, Danielle Symons Downs, Sarah S. Farrabi, Jennifer L. Huberty, James F. Paulson

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background

Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG), insufficient prenatal physical activity and sleep, and poor psychological wellbeing independently increase risks for adverse maternal and infant outcomes. A novel approach to mitigate these risks is utilizing peer support in a community-based prenatal intervention. This study assessed the feasibility (acceptability, demand, implementation, and practicality) of a remotely delivered prenatal physical activity intervention called My Baby, My Move + (MBMM +) that aims to increase prenatal physical activity, enhance mood and sleep hygiene, and reduce EGWG.

Methods

Participants were recruited through community organizations, local clinics, and social media platforms in the Fall of 2020 …

Population-Based Linked Longitudinal Surveillance Of Pregnant People And Their Infants: A Critical Resource For Emerging, Re-Emerging, And Persistent Threats, Van T Tong, Kate R Woodworth, Erin Blau, Neha Shinde, Amanda Akosa, Suzanne M Gilboa, Dana Meaney-Delman

Student and Faculty Publications

Public health emergencies, from Zika to COVID-19, have underscored the importance of addressing the needs of pregnant people and their infants. Recent events have underlined the critical role of mother-infant-linked longitudinal surveillance to characterize and assess the impacts of emerging, re-emerging, and persistent threats, including infectious diseases, on these populations. In partnership with state, local, and territorial health departments, CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities activated the Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies Network (SET-NET) to capture information about pregnant people with laboratory-confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and their infants. SET-NET …

Altered Dietary Behaviour During Pregnancy Impacts Systemic Metabolic Phenotypes, Charlotte E. Rowley, Samantha Lodge, Siobhon Egan, Catherine Itsiopoulos, Claus T. Christophersen, Desiree Silva, Elizabeth Kicic-Starcevich, Therese A. O’Sullivan, Julien Wist, Jeremy Nicholson, Gary Frost, Elaine Holmes, Nina D’Vaz

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Rationale: Evidence suggests consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) can positively impact both maternal and offspring health, potentially mediated by a beneficial effect on inflammatory pathways. We aimed to apply metabolic profiling of serum and urine samples to assess differences between women who were stratified into high and low alignment to a MD throughout pregnancy and investigate the relationship of the diet to inflammatory markers. Methods: From the ORIGINS cohort, 51 pregnant women were stratified for persistent high and low alignment to a MD, based on validated MD questionnaires. 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the …

The Global Network Socioeconomic Status Index As A Predictor Of Stillbirths, Perinatal Mortality, And Neonatal Mortality In Rural Communities In Low And Lower Middle Income Country Sites Of The Global Network For Women's And Children's Health Research, Archana B. Patel, Carla M. Bann, Cherryl S. Kolhe, Adrien Lokangaka, Antoinette Tshefu, Melissa Bauserman, Lester Figueroa, Nancy F. Krebs, Fabian Esamai, Sarah Saleem

Community Health Sciences

Background: Globally, socioeconomic status (SES) is an important health determinant across a range of health conditions and diseases. However, measuring SES within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) can be particularly challenging given the variation and diversity of LMIC populations.
Objective: The current study investigates whether maternal SES as assessed by the newly developed Global Network-SES Index is associated with pregnancy outcomes (stillbirths, perinatal mortality, and neonatal mortality) in six LMICs: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Zambia.
Methods: The analysis included data from 87,923 women enrolled in the Maternal and Newborn Health Registry of the NICHD-funded …

Intimate Partner Violence Disclosure And Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending A City Hospital In South-Western Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study, Eve Katushabe, John Baptist Asiimwe, Vincent Batwala

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a public health problem in Uganda that negatively impacts maternal and newborn health outcomes. However, IPVdisclosure and associated factors among pregnant women have remained poorly documented in southwestern Uganda. Therefore, this study determined IPV disclosure and associated factors among pregnant women attending a large City hospital.

Methods: In a cross-sectional design, 283 women attending Mbarara City Hospital Antenatal care (ANC) clinic were consecutively recruited into the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. This was administered by the research team and the exercise took over a month. That is; from 7th …

The Correlation Between Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Safety Culture And Quality Of Care, Jochen Profit, Paul J Sharek, Xin Cui, Courtney C Nisbet, Eric J Thomas, Daniel S Tawfik, Henry C Lee, David Draper, J Bryan Sexton

Faculty and Staff Publications

OBJECTIVES: Key validated clinical metrics are being used individually and in aggregate (Baby-MONITOR) to monitor the performance of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The degree to which perceptions of key components of safety culture, safety climate, and teamwork are related to aspects of NICU quality of care is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to test whether NICU performance on key clinical metrics correlates with caregiver perceptions of safety culture.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 6253 very low-birth-weight infants in 44 NICUs. We measured clinical quality via the Baby-MONITOR and its nine risk-adjusted and standardized subcomponents (antenatal corticosteroids, …

Contraceptive Methods In The United States: The Question Of Abortive Mechanisms, Tara Ferenczy

Senior Honors Theses

This thesis reviews the many methods of contraception available in the United States. Although society’s understanding of women’s health has become a major topic, there is still a significant deficit of information regarding how the accessible methods affect women’s bodies, specifically reproductive tissue. The thesis analyzes numerous contraceptive options focusing specifically on the mechanisms of action to determine whether options have abortifacient properties so that readers may develop educated opinions regarding medical and ethical uses. Information involving strengths and limitations of each technique and the effects on both the female body and the reproductive material assist in understanding the process …

Description Of The Attitudes, Knowledge And Beliefs On Marijuana In Undergraduate Students Compared To Nursing Undergraduate Students, Maifrak Sobrino

Honors Scholar Theses

Introduction: The use of marijuana has drastically increased over the years. Not only is marijuana being used to treat personal symptoms, but some women use marijuana to manage pregnancy-related symptoms.

Objective: To discover the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of marijuana in the undergraduate student population at the University of Connecticut.

Method: A cross sectional study conducted through Qualtrics using a 15-questions survey, including 5-point Likert scale questions and 5 yes/no questions.

Result: Forty-nine non-nursing students completed the survey. Non-nursing students in comparison to the population as a whole agreed that marijuana use was okay (M = 3.959, SD = …

Attitudes, Knowledge And Beliefs On Marijuana Use In Pregnant Women In Undergraduate Nursing Students, Jordyn Witkins

Honors Scholar Theses

Introduction: Due to the decriminalization of marijuana use by states in the United States, marijuana use has drastically increased in the general populations and in women who are pregnant. During prenatal care, nurses provide education about pregnancy and fetal development.

Objective: This study explore the attitudes, knowledge and beliefs of undergraduate nursing students on marijuana use for individuals and during pregnancy.

Method: The study design was cross-sectional survey with 15-question survey using Likert scale and yes/no questions. Nursing students and non-nursing undergraduate students responses were compared.

Results: Sixty-four nursing students (female, n=50) completed the survey. Nursing students in comparison to …

High-Risk Pregnant Patients In The Third Trimester: Comparing Mental And Physical Health, Megan Maxwell

MSN Capstone Projects

The purpose of the paper is to compare physical and mental health in high-risk pregnant patients in their third trimester who are managed in an inpatient setting compared to an outpatient setting. This paper looks at specific high-risk pregnancy diagnoses.

Ricketts, Hunter Christian, B. 1997 (Fa 1382), Manuscripts & Folklife Archives

Folklife Archives Finding Aids

Finding aid only for Folklife Archives Project 1382. Project completed by Hunter Ricketts in fall 2019 regarding Mennonite health practices as part of a WKU folk studies class on Field Methods in Ethnography.

Prenatal Yoga In Pregnancy, Ashleigh Clingenpeel

Senior Honors Theses

Prenatal yoga has emerged as an advisable, beneficial, and supportive addition to birth preparation. Many studies have linked participation in prenatal yoga with both maternal and infant benefits. Physical benefits for the mother include decreased labor time, decreased labor pain, and improved comfort during pregnancy. Significant emotional and mental effects have also been correlated, such as lowered rates of depression and anxiety, increased self-efficacy in labor, and easier transitions into the postpartum period. Finally, prenatal yoga has demonstrated benefits to the neonate, with a greater number of vaginal deliveries, which are less traumatic for the infant, an increase in gestational …

Associations Of First Trimester Co-Use Of Tobacco And Cannabis With Prenatal Immune Response And Psychosocial Well-Being, Kristin Ashford, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Andrea Mccubbin, Amanda T. Wiggins, Sheila Barnhart, Joshua A. Lile

Perinatal Research and Wellness Center Faculty Publications

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe the association of first trimester co-use of tobacco and cannabis with maternal immune response and psychosocial well-being, relative to tobacco use only.

METHODS: A preliminary midpoint analysis included 138 pregnant women with biologically verified tobacco use, 38 of whom (28%) also tested positive for recent cannabis use. Maternal perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and serum immune markers (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNFα, CRP, MMP8), were collected, although cytokine data were only available for 122 women.

RESULTS: Participant average age was 29.1 years, approximately half had a high …

A Practical Understanding Of Preeclampsia For A Nurse In A Third World Setting, Anna Lovin

Senior Honors Theses

Preeclampsia is a disease of pregnancy that affects approximately 3-5% of women with child. It is one of the primary causes of mortality in mothers and babies across the globe. The exact cause, pathogenesis, or disease progression is unknown. Therefore, there is no definition of which patients are at risk for developing preeclampsia and what can work as a preventative measure. In high socioeconomic settings where there is good healthcare, standard treatment is established to manage the symptoms and decrease the progression of preeclampsia to eclampsia. However, in more rural, third-world settings of developing countries, caring for patients with preeclampsia …

Comparison Of Serum And Cervical Cytokine Levels Throughout Pregnancy Between Preterm And Term Births, Kristin Ashford, Niraj R. Chavan, Amanda T. Wiggins, Molly Malany Sayre, Andrea Mccubbin, Agatha S. Critchfield, John O'Brien

Nursing Faculty Publications

Objective To assess differences in cytokine levels in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) and serum across trimesters between women with preterm births (PTBs) and full-term births.

Study Design This multicenter study enrolled 302 women with a singleton gestation. CVF and serum cytokines, interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, were measured. Women with at least one cytokine assessment and noted PTB status in their medical record were retained in the study (N = 272). Data were analyzed using mixed modeling (main effects of PTBs and time/trimester).

Results For the CVF …

Tailoring A Nicu-Based Tobacco Treatment Program For Mothers Who Are Dependent On Opioids, Amanda Fallin-Bennett, Kristin Ashford

Nursing Faculty Publications

Objective—To collect formative information to design a tailored tobacco treatment intervention for women with newborns treated or evaluated for neonatal abstinence syndrome and to explore current tobacco use behaviors and facilitators and barriers to smoking cessation.

Design—Qualitative descriptive study.

Setting—An academic medical center in the southern United States.

Participants—Mothers of newborns who were treated or evaluated for neonatal abstinence syndrome at birth within the preceding three months. Women were recruited who were older than 18 and reported opioid dependence and smoking during pregnancy.

Methods—Participants took part in semi-structured individual interviews that lasted approximately one hour. …

Use Of A Web-Based Dietary Assessment Tool In Early Pregnancy, Laura Mullaney, Amy C. O'Higgins, Shona Cawley, R. Kennedy, Daniel Mccartney, M.J. Turner

Articles

Background Maternal diet is critical to fetal development and lifelong health outcomes. In this context, dietary quality indices in pregnancy should be explicitly underpinned by data correlating food intake patterns with nutrient intakes known to be important for gestation.

Aims Our aim was to assess the correlation between dietary quality scores derived from a novel online dietary assessment tool (DAT) and nutrient intake data derived from the previously validated Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire (WFFQ).

Methods 524 women completed the validated semiquantitive WFFQ and online DAT questionnaire in their first trimester. Spearman correlation and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to test associations …