Nursing Midwifery Commons^™

Maternal Prenatal Anxiety And Risk Of Preterm Birth And Low Birthweight: Evidence From A Cumulative Meta-Analysis With Stability Thresholds, Bereket Duko, Desta, Biniyam Sahiledengle, Yohannes Tekalegn Efa, Tenaw Tiruye, Lisa Whitehead, Gavin Pereira, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: We conducted cumulative meta-analyses to quantify the degree to which maternal prenatal anxiety impacts preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW), and to identify when findings reached stability, enabling confident recommendations for early interventions. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL (EBSCO), ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library from database inception to May 7, 2025. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Inverse variance weighted random-effects cumulative meta-analysis was performed to pool adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with sequential inclusion of newly published studies. Stability thresholds were computed to assess sufficiency …

Factors Impacting Western Australian Midwives' Intention To Stay: A Mixed Methods Study, Christine Atkinson, Dianne Bloxsome, Zoe Bradfield, Kate Buchanan, Sarah Dawson, Frances Finch, Sadie Geraghty, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Problem Midwifery workforce sustainability remains a critical concern for maternity services. Existing literature predominantly focuses on burnout and attrition, offering limited insight into what influences midwives’ decisions to remain within specific workplaces. Background Midwives consistently report strong professional commitment alongside growing workforce instability. National data indicate that uncertainty about current roles does not necessarily reflect disengagement from the profession. Understanding workplace-level influences on retention is therefore essential for targeted workforce strategy. Aim To examine how workplace stress and satisfaction with the practice environment are associated with Western Australian midwives’ intention to stay in their current job and in the profession. …

Poor Compliance With Private Nursing And Midwifery Practice Guidelines In Urban Settings In Uganda, Dan Muramuzi, Edson Atwine, Barbara Okiror, Mercy Muwema, Christine Nimwesiga, Laban Muteebwa

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: Optimal compliance with private practice guidelines is one of the core components of quality improvement in nursing and midwifery professions. Private nursing and midwifery practice guidelines in Uganda were introduced in 2019. However, little has been documented about compliance with these guidelines, despite playing a crucial role in ensuring safe nursing and midwifery practice and maintenance of professional standards.  We assessed the compliance with private nursing and midwifery practice guidelines of Uganda (2019) and explored barriers to optimal compliance with these guidelines in private health facilities licensed by the Uganda Nursing and Midwifery Council (UNMC) in Kampala Metropolitan …

Assessing Impact Of Heat Waves On Pregnancy And Lactation Amidst Climate Change: A Scoping Review., Susan Anyango, Grace Nakate

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: The escalation of heat waves, attributed to climate change, represents a global public health concern, with pregnant
and lactating women identified as particularly vulnerable due to Physiological and hormonal changes.

Aim: To review the existing research on the effects of heat waves on pregnancy and lactation, identifying potential health risks and outcomes.

Methods: A structured search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted using terms related
to heat waves, pregnancy, lactation, and climate change. Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed empirical
studies in English.

Results: Heat waves are linked to increased risks of preterm labor, low …

Descriptive Qualitative Study Of Nursing Students' Perceptions And Behaviors During Student-Led Class Sessions In Uganda, Proscovia Nakaye, Veronica Nakkonde, Mercy Muwema, Grace Nakate

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Student-led class sessions are a pedagogical approach where students actively engage in the learning process, influencing content, activities, and pace. This method fosters independent learning, communication skills, and teamwork. While some studies have shown the effectiveness of student-led sessions, nursing students often exhibit challenges, such as inattention and negative attitudes, affecting the quality of learning and patient care. Understanding nursing students' perceptions and behaviors in this context is essential for improving nursing education.

Methods: This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore nursing students' perceptions and behaviors during student-led class sessions at Uganda Christian University. Sixteen direct-entry nursing students …

Prevalence Of Teenage Pregnancy And Associated Factors Among Adolescent Girls In Bobi Subcounty, Northern Uganda., Grace Auma, Margaret Alioru, Geoffrey Kaujju, Grace Nakate

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Methodology: A Cross-sectional study design. A survey was conducted among 4893 married girls aged 15-19 years using quantitative methods. Quantitative data was collected through the structured questionnaire, which was administered, data was collected and entered in EPI-INFO 2020 software, and was cleaned and analyzed using STATA version 15.0. Binary logistic regression was done to examine the factors independently associated with teenage pregnancy. A multistage sampling technique was used.

Results: Our study showed that the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in Bobi Sub-County, Omoro District, is high at 27.5%. Significant Factors contributing to the likelihood of teenage pregnancy included those …

Structures And Processes Of Critical Care Nursing Practice: Insights From Four Ugandan Intensive Care Units, Dominic Ogwal Savio, Edrisa Ssemwanga, Winter Patrick, Lameck Ssemogerere, Cliff Aliga

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

No abstract provided.

Breastfeeding Promotion For Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Nas), Olivia Czerwonka

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is the exposure in utero to drugs with the incidence in the United States increasing from 4 to 6.3 per 1000 births (Wei et al., 2023). The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a breastfeeding support intervention to increase breastfeeding frequency and reduce hospital length of stay of newborns with NAS. A tailored multicomponent guideline based upon the current Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding as established by WHO and UNICEF (2017) was implemented. Mothers of infants diagnosed with NAS were recruited using convenience sampling from a Northwest Indiana Hospital. Key stakeholders within the …

Clinical Pathway For Rhogam Administration In The Emergency Department, Lauren Kyzar, Amy Bigham

Appalachian Student Healthcare Research Review

Background: Clinical pathways in emergency departments (ED) are designed to standardize patient care and reduce variability in clinical practice. In a rural hospital setting, the ED management of RhoGAM administration in pregnant patients with vaginal bleeding varied by provider with no standard of care achieved. This approach raised concerns about potential patient safety issues.

Methods: In response, the local emergency department medical director, in conjunction with local perinatal providers developed a clinical pathway to standardize care and optimize RhoGAM administration. The clinical pathway was implemented to the local ED providers over a three-month period. Retrospective chart review for Type and …

Community Perceptions Of A Hospital-Based Doula Program In Mobile, Alabama, Sarah Laney

Honors Theses

Background: The maternal mortality ratio in the United States is much higher than the mortality rate for women who live in other countries with similar Human Development Index scores. Black women are more likely to die than their white counterparts. Most of these deaths are preventable. Patients feel like they are being ignored, or that they are not being seen. Doula care is a possible solution to these problems.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess patient understanding and perception of doulas as well as comparing desire for doulas to demographics and past experiences to search for relationships. …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Prenatal Care In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery Phd, Cnm, Aprn, Shelby Greene Bsn, Rn, Lauren Griffin Bsn, Rn, Destiny Lewis Bsn, Rn, Lauryn Lewis Bsn, Rn, Bryleigh Newberry Bsn, Rn, Brittany Scott Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: This paper examines the historical development of prenatal care in the United States, tracing its evolution from informal, home—based management to structured, evidence-based systems that are central to maternal and fetal health.

Aims: The specific aim of this project was to determine how prenatal care evolved in the United States.

Methods: A historical methods approach was used. Historical documents were reviewed using PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar to find relevant resources. Relevant articles were reviewed by the research team and analyzed for components regarding the development of prenatal care. All members of the research team reviewed the articles and …

A Historical Analysis Of The Development Of Childbirth In The U. S., Kristen Montgomery, Kayleigh Berg Bsn, Rn, Emily Greer Bsn, Rn, Marsha Hedgecough Bsn, Rn, Emma Holden Bsn, Rn, Halle Ingle Bsn, Rn, Alexis Tolbert Bsn, Rn

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: The purpose of this project is understand the historical development of childbirth from early documentation of birth in the home to modern day obstetrics, where most deliveries occur in the hospital. Approximately 3.5 to 4 million births occur each year in the U. S.

Aims: The aim of this study is to understand the historical development of childbirth in the U.S. with a particular emphasis on maternal autonomy. Depending on the amount of materials available, the research may be limited to the Appalachian Region.

Methods: Using a historical method, materials were located that traced the trajectory of childbirth from …

The Effect Of Midwife-Led Continuous Labor Support Care On Delivery Mode And Timely Initiation Of Breastfeeding In Primigravida Women In Northwest Ethiopia: A Hybrid Type I Implementation Study, Mengstu Melkamu Asaye, Aragaw, Eden Bishaw Taye, Kihinetu Gelaye Wudineh, Sara Bayes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Midwife-led continuous labor and childbirth support reduces the episiotomy rate and increases the rates of vaginal delivery and early initiation of breastfeeding. However, no studies have yet been conducted in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of midwife-led continuous labor and childbirth support. A quasi-experimental study involving 419 primigravida women compared an intervention given by trained midwives at two hospitals to routine at two others. Data were collected from July to December 2024 through interviews and record reviews. The McNemar test was used to compare changes, with a p-value of less than 0.05. Midwife-led continuous labor support increased …

Global Trends In Bioterrorism And Biosecurity Research Publications (1997–2025): A Scopus Bibliometric Analysis, Festus Mulakoli, Samuel Gesaka, John Mbataru

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Bioterrorism and biosecurity preparedness are critical pillars of global public health protection and resilience of health systems worldwide. Although this field has grown over the past few decades, there remains limited clarity on how research efforts have evolved and where critical gaps persist, particularly regarding global collaboration and emerging biological threats. To address this, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to map publication trends, influential contributors, and collaboration networks in bioterrorism and biosecurity from 1997 to 2025. This study analyzed global research output, collaboration, and thematic evolution in bioterrorism and biosecurity and identified gaps relevant to preparedness and policy. …

Developing A Pediatric Pain Curriculum For Pediatric Anesthesia Fellows In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Delphi Study, Anisa Bhettay, Rebecca Gray, Romy Parker, Nikki Allorto, Abigail Amponsah, Brian Anderson, Lillian Baranzila, Charles Carapinha, Susan Carolus, O' Brien Kyololo

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Comprehensive pain management in children requires a specialized skillset, with a limited number of clinicians possessing the level of expertise required to successfully navigate the complexities of holistic care. The emergence of pediatric anesthesia fellowship programs in sub-Saharan Africa presents an opportunity to embed a pediatric pain curriculum for trainees, improving the availability of specialist skill and knowledge in the field. Existing pain curricula fall short in addressing the sociocultural aspects of pediatric pain identified through research as being unique to the African context, and do not include elements of leadership and advocacy training required to navigate the complexities …

Prevalence Of Undiagnosed Dyspepsia, Associated Factors, And Its Relationship With Quality Of Life Among Undergraduate Health Program Students At Makerere University In Uganda, Shamim Nabidda, Christine Atuhurra Kabahinda, David Wagaba, Samuel Okellodepartment Of Clinical Epidemiology And Biostatistics, School Of Medicine, College Of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, Derrick Mugisha, Evan Atwebembeire, Happy Unith, Lule Daniel, Andrew Marvin Kanyike, Ibrahim Edrisa Mutebi, Mark Kaddu Mukasa, Joan N. Kalyango

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction:  Dyspepsia affects 6.9% of people globally and significantly impairs quality of life, yet it often remains undiagnosed. Undiagnosed dyspepsia (UD) affects up to one-third of patients and is prevalent among students due to stress, irregular eating, and self-medication. In Uganda, limited access to endoscopy results in many cases being undiagnosed, yet recent data among health program students remains scarce.

Objective:  To determine the prevalence of UD, associated factors, and its relationship with QoL among undergraduate health program students at Makerere University.

Methods:  This was a cross-sectional study involving 378 undergraduate health program students from Makerere University between March and …

Reimagining Peer-Led Support In Doctoral Nursing And Midwifery Education: A Collaborative Autoethnographic Case Study, Gideon U. Johnson, Sachini Thennakoon, Mayumi Kumarage, Emy Toutountzis, Lisa Whitehead

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To explore how peer-led initiatives can enhance connection, belonging and sustainability within higher degree by research (HDR) nursing and midwifery programmes. Background: HDR study can be an isolating experience, often characterised by fragmented support and limited opportunities for structured peer learning. While institutions provide formal mechanisms for supervision and progress, less attention has been given to student-led approaches that cultivate inclusive scholarly communities and sustained peer engagement. Design: Collaborative autoethnographic case study. Methods: HDR student representatives and academic staff at Edith Cowan University, Australia (2022–2024), reflected collaboratively on the design, implementation and impact of peer-led initiatives, including monthly hybrid …

Mentorship Practices And Perceptions Of Nursing Faculty At The Aga Khan University In Uganda: A Qualitative Study, Mary Namuguzi, Sarah Nakaziba, Shamim Namukasa, Carolyne Namukwaya, Dinah Kassaman, Arnold Mwanzu, Jackline Estomihi Kiwelu, Duncan Osuka, Nazahed Mkiramweni, Ahmed Sarki

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background Mentorship of new faculty helps to reduce the challenges associated with their new roles, as some lack knowledge of teaching pedagogies. This study assessed the mentorship experiences regarding practices and perceptions of new nursing and midwifery faculty at the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM) in Uganda.

Methodology This study used a phenomenological design. Data were collected in semistructured interviews with 11 participants, and data saturation was reached. Data were organized with NVivo 12 Pro and analyzed using framework analysis.

Findings The main themes that emerged were mentorship practices, perceptions about mentorship, and proposed mentorship guidelines. …

Intrapartum Experiences Of Gestational Surrogates And Intended Parents In Australia: A Qualitative Study, Jutharat Attawet, Leo Ng, Evie Kendal, Yunjing Qiu, Myles Ojabo, Sarah Jefford, Micah D.J. Peters

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Gestational surrogacy is an increasingly visible, though tightly regulated, pathway to parenthood in Australia, yet intrapartum care remains under-examined. Existing maternity models are grounded in woman-centred care and offer limited guidance for births involving surrogates and intended parents within a triadic care relationship. Objectives To describe the intrapartum experiences of gestational surrogates and intended parents in Australia and to identify care processes that support or hinder respectful, inclusive practice. Methods A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with purposive sampling. Seventeen participants took part between December 2024 and May 2025, comprising nine gestational surrogates and eight intended parents who had …

Intimate Partner Violence Experience, Support Seeking And Coping Strategies Among Pregnant Women In Southwestern Uganda, Eve Katushabe, John Baptist Asiimwe, John Bosco Ndinawe, Editor Abeneitwe, Agnes Katusiime, Gladys Nakidde, Vincent Batwala

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy remains a global health challenge. This study aimed to explore pregnant women’s experiences of IPV, support seeking, and coping strategies in Southwestern Uganda. Pregnant women who had experienced IPV during pregnancy were purposively selected and completed in-depth interviews, with data saturation reached after 25 participants. Guided by the feminist theory, data were analyzed deductively and inductively using thematic analysis. Participating pregnant women were exposed to physical violence (e.g., the gravid abdomen being stepped on), psychological violence (e.g., verbal abuse), sexual violence (e.g., being forced into uncomfortable sexual positions), and financial control and manipulation (e.g., …