Improved implementation of aspirin in pregnancy among Dutch gynecologists: Surveys in 2016 and 2021.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation of low-dose aspirin in pregnancy for the prevention of utero-placental complications among gynecologists in the Netherlands between 2016 and 2021. In this timeframe, a national guideline about aspirin in pregnancy was introduced by the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A national online survey among Dutch gynecologists and residents was performed. An online questionnaire was distributed among the members of the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology in April 2016 and April 2021. Main outcome measure was the proportion of gynecologists indicating prescription of aspirin in pregnancy for high and moderate risk indications. RESULTS: In 2016, 133 respondents completed the survey, and in 2021 231. For all indications mentioned in the guideline there was an increase in prescribing aspirin in 2021 in comparison to 2016. More specifically, the percentage of gynecologists prescribing aspirin for a history of preeclampsia before 34 weeks, between 34 and 37 weeks and at term increased from respectively 94% to 100%, 39% to 98%, and 15% to 97%. Consultant obstetricians and respondents working in an university hospital did not more often indicate the prescription of aspirin for tertiary care indications in 2021. Future use of a prediction model was suggested in the narrative comments. CONCLUSION: Implementation of aspirin in pregnancy among Dutch gynecologists substantially improved after a five year timeframe in which the national guideline on aspirin during pregnancy was introduced and trials confirming the effect of aspirin were published.

Aspirin adherence during high-risk pregnancies, a questionnaire study.

OBJECTIVE: Aspirin reduces the risk of recurrent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HD) and fetal growth restriction (FGR). This study examined the non-adherence rates of aspirin in women with high-risk pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: All consecutive women between 24 and 36weeks gestation with an indication for aspirin use during pregnancy were invited for this study. A survey was used which included two validated questionnaires, the simplified medication adherence questionnaire (SMAQ) and the Beliefs and Behaviour Questionnaire (BBQ). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To determine the non-adherence rates of aspirin, and to identify the beliefs and behavior concerning aspirin. RESULTS: Indications for aspirin use during pregnancy were previous HD, FGR, intrauterine fetal death or current maternal disease. Non-adherence rates according to the SMAQ and BBQ were 46.3% and 21.4% respectively. No differences in demographic background or obstetrical characteristics between adherent and non-adherent women could be demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence for aspirin in this high-risk population cannot be taken for granted. The non-adherence rates in pregnant women are comparable with the non-adherence rates for aspirin in the non-pregnant population.