Unveiling the strong positive relationship: Maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes in the Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD) study - a secondary analysis validating neonatal near miss classification.

Background: The near miss concept, denoting near collisions between aircraft, originated in aeronautics, but has recently been transferred to the neonatal context as a way of evaluating the quality of health services for newborns, especially in settings with reduced child mortality. However, there is yet no consensus regarding the underlying criteria. The most common indicators used to assess health care quality include mortality (maternal and neonatal) and life-threatening conditions. Using the World Health Organization (WHO) Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD) prospective cohort study data set, we conducted a secondary analysis to validate the near miss concept and explore the association between maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: We studied 10 203 singleton mothers treated between December 2014 and November 2015 in nine Nigerian and four Ugandan hospitals. We validated the near miss concept by testing the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and odds ratio (OR)) using death as the reference variable and calculating the maternal and neonatal case fatality rates. We performed ordinal and binomial logistic regression, with the independent variables being those that had P < 0.1 in the univariate analyses. We considered the significance level of 5%. Results: We validated the neonatal near miss concept using the BOLD study data. We observed maternal and neonatal case fatality rates of 70.2% and 6.5%, with an increasing severity relationship between maternal and neonatal outcomes (P < 0.05). Ordinal logistic regression showed that gestational age <37 or >41 weeks and <8 antenatal consultations were related to a higher risk of neonatal severe outcomes, while maternal age between 30 and 34 years functioned as a protective factor against severe neonatal outcomes (SNO). Binomial logistic regression showed gestational age <37(OR = 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.94) or >41 weeks (OR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.55-3.20), low educational level (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.12-2.69), overweight/obesity (OR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.02-1.47), one previous cesarean section (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.36-2.61), one previous abortion (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.00-1.56), and previous chronic condition (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.37-2.41) were risk factors for SNO. Conclusions: The neonatal near miss concept could be used as a parameter for analysis in different health systems, to ensure that measuring of neonatal severity is comparable across health care units. In this analysis, we observed a progressive association between maternal severity and the severity of the newborns' outcomes.

[Factors associated with serious maternal morbidity in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil: a cross-sectional cohort study]. / Fatores associados à morbidade materna grave em Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil: estudo de corte transversal.

This study investigated the factors associated with serious maternal morbidity (SMM) in women seen at public maternity hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. This was a cross-section analytical quantitative study. Participation included 1,098 postpartum women who had given birth at one of the four maternity hospitals in the municipality. Data were collected from August 3, 2015, to February 2, 2016, using face-to-face interviews and data obtained from patient records and prenatal cards. The dependent variable for data analysis was the serious maternal morbidity, that is, when the woman was classified as maternal near miss or potentially life-threatening condition based on WHO eligibility criteria. The study calculated the maternal near miss ratio, odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and multiple logistic regression. The maternal near miss ratio was 3.6 cases per 1,000 live births. Complications occurred mainly during pregnancy (53.8%), and hypertensive disorders were the most frequent (49.4%). Multiple regression analysis showed an association between serious maternal morbidity and high-risk pregnancy (OR = 4.5, 95%CI: 2.7-7.7) and induced labor (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-3.9). The occurrence of serious maternal morbidity mainly during pregnancy, featuring hypertensive syndromes, points to the need for better screening and management of high blood pressure in the prenatal period. The association between serious maternal morbidity and high-risk pregnancy also calls attention to prenatal care, for the demand for greater care for women classified as having gestational risk. Quality of care is a key point for dealing with maternal morbidity and mortality in Brazil.

Este estudo investigou os fatores associados à morbidade materna grave entre mulheres atendidas em maternidades públicas do Município de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, analítico, transversal. Participaram 1.098 puérperas com parto em uma das quatro maternidades públicas do município. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre 3 de agosto de 2015 e 2 de fevereiro de 2016, a partir de entrevistas face a face, obtenção de informações dos prontuários e dos cartões da gestante. Para a análise de dados, considerou-se como variável dependente a ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, ou seja, quando a mulher era classificada como near miss materno ou condição potencialmente ameaçadora à vida a partir dos critérios de elegibilidade da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Calculou-se a razão do near miss materno, odds ratio (OR), intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%) e regressão logística múltipla. A razão do near miss materno foi de 3,6 casos por mil nascidos vivos. As complicações ocorreram principalmente na gravidez (53,8%) e os distúrbios hipertensivos foram os mais frequentes (49,4%). A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou associação entre morbidade materna grave e gestação de risco (OR = 4,5; IC95%: 2,7-7,7) e com trabalho de parto induzido (OR = 2,1; IC95%: 1,2-3,9). A ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, principalmente na gestação, com destaque para as síndromes hipertensivas, aponta para a necessidade de melhor rastreamento e manejo da elevação dos níveis pressóricos no pré-natal. A associação entre morbidade materna grave e gestação de risco também remonta ao pré-natal, para a demanda de uma maior atenção às mulheres classificadas como risco gestacional. A qualidade da assistência é ponto chave para o enfretamento da morbimortalidade materna no país.

Este estudio investigó los factores asociados a la morbilidad materna grave entre mujeres atendidas en maternidades públicas del municipio de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, analítico, transversal. Participaron 1.098 puérperas con parto en una de las cuatro maternidades públicas del municipio. La recogida de datos se produjo entre el 3 de agosto de 2015 al 2 de febrero de 2016, mediante entrevistas cara a cara, obtención de información de los historiales y cartillas de las gestantes. Para el análisis de datos, se consideró como variable dependiente la ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, o sea, cuando la mujer era clasificada como near miss materno o condición potencialmente amenazadora para la vida, a partir de los criterios de elegibilidad de la Organización Mundial de Salud. Se calculó la razón del near miss materno, odds ratio (OR), intervalo de 95% de confianza (IC95%) y regresión logística múltiple. La razón de near miss materno fue de 3,6 casos por 1.000 nacidos vivos. Las complicaciones se produjeron principalmente en el embarazo (53,8%) y las alteraciones hipertensivas fueron las más frecuentes (49,4%). El análisis de regresión múltiple mostró asociación entre morbilidad materna grave y gestación de riesgo (OR = 4,5; IC95%: 2,7-7,7) y con trabajo de parto inducido (OR = 2,1; IC95%: 1,2-3,9). La ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, principalmente en la gestación, resaltando los síndromes hipertensivos, apunta la necesidad de un mejor rastreo y gestión de la elevación de los niveles presión arterial en el período prenatal. La asociación entre morbilidad materna grave y gestación de riesgo también se remonta al período prenatal, con el fin de que se preste una mayor atención a las mujeres clasificadas como de riesgo gestacional. La calidad de la asistencia es un punto clave para combatir la morbimortalidad materna en el país.

Fatores associados à morbidade materna grave em Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil: estudo de corte transversal / Factors associated with serious maternal morbidity in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil: a cross-sectional cohort study / Factores asociados a la morbilidad materna grave en Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil: estudio de corte transversal

Este estudo investigou os fatores associados à morbidade materna grave entre mulheres atendidas em maternidades públicas do Município de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, analítico, transversal. Participaram 1.098 puérperas com parto em uma das quatro maternidades públicas do município. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre 3 de agosto de 2015 e 2 de fevereiro de 2016, a partir de entrevistas face a face, obtenção de informações dos prontuários e dos cartões da gestante. Para a análise de dados, considerou-se como variável dependente a ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, ou seja, quando a mulher era classificada como near miss materno ou condição potencialmente ameaçadora à vida a partir dos critérios de elegibilidade da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Calculou-se a razão do near miss materno, odds ratio (OR), intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%) e regressão logística múltipla. A razão do near miss materno foi de 3,6 casos por mil nascidos vivos. As complicações ocorreram principalmente na gravidez (53,8%) e os distúrbios hipertensivos foram os mais frequentes (49,4%). A análise de regressão múltipla mostrou associação entre morbidade materna grave e gestação de risco (OR = 4,5; IC95%: 2,7-7,7) e com trabalho de parto induzido (OR = 2,1; IC95%: 1,2-3,9). A ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, principalmente na gestação, com destaque para as síndromes hipertensivas, aponta para a necessidade de melhor rastreamento e manejo da elevação dos níveis pressóricos no pré-natal. A associação entre morbidade materna grave e gestação de risco também remonta ao pré-natal, para a demanda de uma maior atenção às mulheres classificadas como risco gestacional. A qualidade da assistência é ponto chave para o enfretamento da morbimortalidade materna no país.

This study investigated the factors associated with serious maternal morbidity (SMM) in women seen at public maternity hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. This was a cross-section analytical quantitative study. Participation included 1,098 postpartum women who had given birth at one of the four maternity hospitals in the municipality. Data were collected from August 3, 2015, to February 2, 2016, using face-to-face interviews and data obtained from patient records and prenatal cards. The dependent variable for data analysis was the serious maternal morbidity, that is, when the woman was classified as maternal near miss or potentially life-threatening condition based on WHO eligibility criteria. The study calculated the maternal near miss ratio, odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and multiple logistic regression. The maternal near miss ratio was 3.6 cases per 1,000 live births. Complications occurred mainly during pregnancy (53.8%), and hypertensive disorders were the most frequent (49.4%). Multiple regression analysis showed an association between serious maternal morbidity and high-risk pregnancy (OR = 4.5, 95%CI: 2.7-7.7) and induced labor (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.2-3.9). The occurrence of serious maternal morbidity mainly during pregnancy, featuring hypertensive syndromes, points to the need for better screening and management of high blood pressure in the prenatal period. The association between serious maternal morbidity and high-risk pregnancy also calls attention to prenatal care, for the demand for greater care for women classified as having gestational risk. Quality of care is a key point for dealing with maternal morbidity and mortality in Brazil.

Este estudio investigó los factores asociados a la morbilidad materna grave entre mujeres atendidas en maternidades públicas del municipio de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, analítico, transversal. Participaron 1.098 puérperas con parto en una de las cuatro maternidades públicas del municipio. La recogida de datos se produjo entre el 3 de agosto de 2015 al 2 de febrero de 2016, mediante entrevistas cara a cara, obtención de información de los historiales y cartillas de las gestantes. Para el análisis de datos, se consideró como variable dependiente la ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, o sea, cuando la mujer era clasificada como near miss materno o condición potencialmente amenazadora para la vida, a partir de los criterios de elegibilidad de la Organización Mundial de Salud. Se calculó la razón del near miss materno, odds ratio (OR), intervalo de 95% de confianza (IC95%) y regresión logística múltiple. La razón de near miss materno fue de 3,6 casos por 1.000 nacidos vivos. Las complicaciones se produjeron principalmente en el embarazo (53,8%) y las alteraciones hipertensivas fueron las más frecuentes (49,4%). El análisis de regresión múltiple mostró asociación entre morbilidad materna grave y gestación de riesgo (OR = 4,5; IC95%: 2,7-7,7) y con trabajo de parto inducido (OR = 2,1; IC95%: 1,2-3,9). La ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, principalmente en la gestación, resaltando los síndromes hipertensivos, apunta la necesidad de un mejor rastreo y gestión de la elevación de los niveles presión arterial en el período prenatal. La asociación entre morbilidad materna grave y gestación de riesgo también se remonta al período prenatal, con el fin de que se preste una mayor atención a las mujeres clasificadas como de riesgo gestacional. La calidad de la asistencia es un punto clave para combatir la morbimortalidad materna en el país.

Scientific sexism: the gender bias in the scientific production of the Universidade de São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate gender inequity in the scientific production of the University of Sao Paulo. METHODS: Members of the University of Sao Paulo faculty are the study population. The Web of Science repository was the source of the publication metrics. We selected the measures: total publications and citations, average of citations per year and item, H-index, and history of citations between 1950 and 2019. We used the name of the faculty member as a proxy to the gender identity. We use descriptive statistics to characterize the metrics. We evaluated the scissors effect by selecting faculty members with a high H-index. The historical series of citations was projected until 2100. We carry out analyses for the general population and working time subgroups: less than 10 years, 10 to 20 years, and 20 years or more. RESULTS: Of the 8,325 faculty members, we included 3,067 (36.8%). Among those included, 1,893 (61.7%) were male and 1,174 (38.28%) female. The male gender presented higher values in the publication metrics (average of articles: M = 67.0 versus F = 49.7; average of citations/year: M = 53.9 versus F = 35.9), and H-index (M = 14.5 versus F = 12.4). Among the 100 individuals with the highest H-index (≥ 37), 83% are male. The male curve grows faster in the historical series of citations, opening a difference between the groups whose separation is confirmed by the projection. DISCUSSION: Scientific production at the Universidade de São Paulo is subject to a gender bias. Two-thirds of the faculty are male, and hiring over the past few decades perpetuates this pattern. The large majority of high impact faculty members are male. CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that the Universidade de São Paulo will not overcome gender inequality in scientific production without substantive affirmative action. Development does not happen by chance but through choices that are affirmative, decisive, and long-term oriented.

Scientific sexism: the gender bias in the scientific production of the Universidade de São Paulo / Sexismo científico: o viés de gênero na produção científica da Universidade de São Paulo

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate gender inequity in the scientific production of the University of Sao Paulo. METHODS Members of the University of Sao Paulo faculty are the study population. The Web of Science repository was the source of the publication metrics. We selected the measures: total publications and citations, average of citations per year and item, H-index, and history of citations between 1950 and 2019. We used the name of the faculty member as a proxy to the gender identity. We use descriptive statistics to characterize the metrics. We evaluated the scissors effect by selecting faculty members with a high H-index. The historical series of citations was projected until 2100. We carry out analyses for the general population and working time subgroups: less than 10 years, 10 to 20 years, and 20 years or more. RESULTS Of the 8,325 faculty members, we included 3,067 (36.8%). Among those included, 1,893 (61.7%) were male and 1,174 (38.28%) female. The male gender presented higher values in the publication metrics (average of articles: M = 67.0 versus F = 49.7; average of citations/year: M = 53.9 versus F = 35.9), and H-index (M = 14.5 versus F = 12.4). Among the 100 individuals with the highest H-index (≥ 37), 83% are male. The male curve grows faster in the historical series of citations, opening a difference between the groups whose separation is confirmed by the projection. DISCUSSION Scientific production at the Universidade de São Paulo is subject to a gender bias. Two-thirds of the faculty are male, and hiring over the past few decades perpetuates this pattern. The large majority of high impact faculty members are male. CONCLUSION Our analysis suggests that the Universidade de São Paulo will not overcome gender inequality in scientific production without substantive affirmative action. Development does not happen by chance but through choices that are affirmative, decisive, and long-term oriented.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Investigar desigualdades de gênero na produção científica de docentes da Universidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS A população consiste em professores(as) da Universidade de São Paulo. O repositório Web of Science foi a fonte das métricas de publicação. Selecionamos as medidas: total de publicações e citações, média de citações por ano e por item, índice H e histórico de citações entre 1950 e 2019. Usamos o nome do(a) docente como um proxy para a identidade de gênero. Usamos estatísticas descritivas para caracterizar as métricas. Avaliamos o efeito tesoura selecionando os(as) professores(as) com índice H alto. A série histórica de citações foi projetada até 2100. Realizamos análises para a população geral e subgrupos de tempo de trabalho: menos de 10 anos, de 10 a 20 anos e 20 anos ou mais. RESULTADOS Dos 8.325 docentes, incluímos 3.067 (36,8%). Dentre os incluídos, 1.893 (61,7%) eram professores e 1.174 (38,28%) professoras. O gênero masculino apresentou valores mais altos nas métricas de publicação (média de artigos: M = 67,0 versus F = 49,7; média de citações/ano: M = 53,9 versus F = 35,9) e índice H (M = 14,5 versus F = 12,4). Entre os 100 indivíduos com maior índice H (≥ 37), 83% são do gênero masculino. Na série histórica de citações, a curva masculina cresce mais rápido, abrindo uma diferença entre os grupos com afastamento confirmado pela projeção. DISCUSSÃO A produção científica na Universidade de São Paulo está sujeita a um viés de gênero. Dois terços do corpo docente são do gênero masculino, e as contratações das últimas décadas perpetuam esse padrão. A grande maioria dos membros com alto impacto no corpo docente é do sexo masculino. CONCLUSÃO Nossas análises sugerem que a Universidade de São Paulo não superará a desigualdade de gênero na produção científica sem uma ação afirmativa substancial. O desenvolvimento não acontece por acaso, mas por meio de escolhas afirmativas, decisivas e de longo prazo.

[Severe maternal morbidity in public hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Morbidade materna grave em hospitais públicos de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.

This study analyzed the occurrence of severe maternal morbidity, the most frequent diagnostic criteria, and the quality of obstetric care in public hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. A quantitative surveillance survey of severe maternal morbidity used World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss. Cases were identified from August 1, 2015, to February 2, 2016. The sample included 259 women with severe maternal morbidity (potentially life-threatening conditions/maternal near miss) during the gestational and postpartum cycle, hospitalized for childbirth in the four public institutions providing obstetric care in the city. The descriptive analysis was based on absolute and relative rates of diagnostic criteria for potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss, besides description of the women in the sample (sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and prenatal and childbirth care). Quality of care indicators set by the WHO based on morbimortality were also calculated. There were 3,497 deliveries, 3,502 live births in all the hospitals in the city, two maternal deaths, and 19 maternal near miss. Maternal near miss ratio was 5.4 cases per 1,000 live births, and the maternal mortality ratio was 57.1 deaths per 100,000 live birth. The mortality rate among cases with severe maternal outcome (maternal near miss plus maternal death) was 9.5%. The study revealed important potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss rates. The occurrence of deaths from hemorrhagic causes highlights the need to improve the quality of obstetric care. The findings can potentially help improve local policy for obstetric care.

PRENACEL partner - use of short message service (SMS) to encourage male involvement in prenatal care: a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The partner has an important role when he participates of the prenatal care as showed in the positive results relate to the mother and the child health. For this reason it is an important strategy to bring future fathers closer to health services and to improve their link with paternity. AIM: To evaluate whether the implementation of SMS technology, through the PRENACEL program for the partner as a health education program, is a useful supplement to the standard prenatal monitoring. METHODS: A parallel cluster randomized trial was carried out, with the clusters representing primary care health units. The 20 health units with the largest number of pregnant women in 2013 were selected for the study. There was a balance of the health units according to the size of the affiliated population and the vulnerability situation and these were allocated in intervention and control health units by the randomization. The partners of the pregnant women who started prenatal care prior to the 20th week of gestation were the study population of the intervention group. The participants received periodic short text messages via mobile phone with information about the pregnancy and birth. In the control group units the partners, together with the women, received the standard prenatal care. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-six partners were interviewed, 62 from the PRENACEL group, 73 from the intervention group that did not opt ​​for PRENACEL and 51 from the control group. A profile with a mean age of 30 years was found and the majority of respondents (51.3%) declared themselves as brown race/color. The interviewees presented a mean of 9.3 years of study. The majority of the men (95.2%) cohabited with their partner and 63.7% were classified as socioeconomic class C. The adherence to the PRENACEL program was 53.4%. In relation to the individual results, there was a greater participation of the PRENACEL partners in the prenatal consultations, as well as a greater presence of them accompanying the woman at the moment of the childbirth when compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed that a health education strategy using communication technology seems to be a useful prenatal care supplement; the intervention had a good acceptability and has a promising role in men's involvement in prenatal, labour and postpartum care of their partners. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registry: RBR-54zf73, U1111-1163-7761.

Morbidade materna grave em hospitais públicos de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil / Severe maternal morbidity in public hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil / Morbilidad materna grave en hospitales públicos de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil

Resumo: Este estudo objetivou investigar a ocorrência de morbidade materna grave, os critérios diagnósticos mais frequentes e a qualidade da assistência obstétrica nos hospitais públicos de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa de vigilância das morbidades maternas graves, utilizando os critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida e near miss materno. Os casos foram identificados entre 1º de agosto de 2015 e 2 de fevereiro de 2016. Participaram 259 mulheres com morbidade materna grave (condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida/near miss materno) durante o ciclo gravídico-puerperal, internadas para o parto nas quatro instituições públicas com assistência obstétrica no município. Realizou-se análise descritiva a partir das frequências absolutas e relativas dos critérios diagnósticos para condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida e near miss materno, além da descrição das mulheres pesquisadas (caracterização sociodemográfica, antecedentes obstétricos, assistência pré-natal e ao parto). Indicadores de qualidade da assistência estabelecidos pela OMS a partir da morbimortalidade também foram calculados. Ocorreram 3.497 partos, 3.502 nascidos vivos em todos os hospitais do município, 2 mortes maternas e 19 near miss materno. A razão do near miss materno foi de 5,4 casos por 1.000 nascidos vivos, e a razão de mortalidade materna foi de 57,1 óbitos por 100 mil nascidos vivos. A taxa de mortalidade entre os casos com desfecho materno grave (somados os casos de near miss materno e morte materna) foi de 9,5%. Observou-se importante frequência de casos de condições potencialmente ameaçadoras à vida e near miss materno no presente estudo. A ocorrência de óbitos por causas hemorrágicas mostra a necessidade de melhoria da qualidade da assistência prestada. Os resultados poderão contribuir para o aprimoramento da política local de assistência obstétrica.

Abstract: This study analyzed the occurrence of severe maternal morbidity, the most frequent diagnostic criteria, and the quality of obstetric care in public hospitals in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, Brazil. A quantitative surveillance survey of severe maternal morbidity used World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss. Cases were identified from August 1, 2015, to February 2, 2016. The sample included 259 women with severe maternal morbidity (potentially life-threatening conditions/maternal near miss) during the gestational and postpartum cycle, hospitalized for childbirth in the four public institutions providing obstetric care in the city. The descriptive analysis was based on absolute and relative rates of diagnostic criteria for potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss, besides description of the women in the sample (sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and prenatal and childbirth care). Quality of care indicators set by the WHO based on morbimortality were also calculated. There were 3,497 deliveries, 3,502 live births in all the hospitals in the city, two maternal deaths, and 19 maternal near miss. Maternal near miss ratio was 5.4 cases per 1,000 live births, and the maternal mortality ratio was 57.1 deaths per 100,000 live birth. The mortality rate among cases with severe maternal outcome (maternal near miss plus maternal death) was 9.5%. The study revealed important potentially life-threatening conditions and maternal near miss rates. The occurrence of deaths from hemorrhagic causes highlights the need to improve the quality of obstetric care. The findings can potentially help improve local policy for obstetric care.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio es investigar la ocurrencia de morbilidad materna grave, así como los criterios para los diagnósticos más frecuentes y la calidad de la asistencia obstétrica en hospitales públicos de Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo, Brasil. Se trata de una investigación cuantitativa de vigilancia de la morbilidad materna grave, utilizando criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) sobre condiciones potencialmente amenazadoras para vida y near miss materno. Los casos se identificaron entre el 1 de agosto de 2015 y 2 de febrero de 2016. Participaron 259 mujeres con morbilidad materna grave (condiciones potencialmente amenazadoras para vida/near miss materno) durante el ciclo embarazo, parto y puerperio, internadas para el parto en cuatro instituciones públicas con asistencia obstétrica en el municipio. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, a partir de frecuencias absolutas y relativas con criterios diagnósticos para condiciones potencialmente amenazadoras para vida y near miss materno, además de la descripción de las mujeres investigadas (caracterizaciones sociodemográficas, antecedentes obstétricos, asistencia prenatal y al parto). También se calcularon indicadores de calidad de asistencia establecidos por la OMS a partir de la morbimortalidad. Se produjeron 3.497 partos, 3.502 nacidos vivos en todos los hospitales del municipio, 2 muertes maternas y 19 near miss materno. La razón del near miss materno fue de 5,4 casos por 1.000 nacidos vivos y la razón de mortalidad materna fue 57,1 óbitos por 100.000 nacidos vivos. La tasa de mortalidad entre los casos con desenlace materno grave (sumados a los casos de near miss materno y muerte materna) fue de un 9,5%. Se observó una importante frecuencia de casos de condiciones potencialmente amenazadoras para vida y near miss materno en el presente estudio. La ocurrencia de óbitos por causas hemorrágicas expone la necesidad de una mejora de la calidad en la asistencia prestada. Los resultados podrán contribuir a la mejora de la política local de asistencia obstétrica.

A communication and information strategy in health and preparation for childbirth: a randomized cluster trial (PRENACEL). / Estratégia de comunicação e informação em saúde e a percepção de sentir-se preparada para o parto: ensaio aleatorizado por conglomerados (PRENACEL).

PRENACEL is a study that incorporates two innovative approaches to maternal and perinatal health: the need to improve women's level of satisfaction with the birthing experience and an assessment of the impacts of information and communication technologies in health. The approaches involve a communication program via short cellphone text messages, developed for Brazilian pregnant women in prenatal care in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. The analysis aims to determine whether the program contributes positively to women's perceived preparedness for childbirth. A randomized cluster trial was performed in 20 primary care units in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, in 2015 and 2016. Data were collected for 1,210 women from interviews and patient charts. The data were submitted to two analytical models, per protocol and intention-to-treat. Women that had received information from the PRENACEL program during pregnancy were more likely to feel prepared for labor and delivery and to feel that prenatal care had helped them feel more prepared. There were also positive impacts on bonding with the newborn and breastfeeding in the delivery room and on knowledge of obstetric interventions. No differences were seen in the other maternal and perinatal outcomes, including women's satisfaction with the birthing care. PRENACEL can help expand women's access to strategic information for them to feel better prepared for the birthing experience.

O PRENACEL é uma pesquisa que incorpora duas abordagens inovadoras para a saúde materna e perinatal: a necessidade de melhorar os níveis de satisfação das mulheres com a experiência do parto; e, a avaliação de impactos do uso de tecnologias de informação e comunicação em saúde. Trata-se de um programa de comunicação via mensagens curtas de textos no celular desenvolvido para gestantes brasileiras atendidas no pré-natal do Sistema Único de Saúde. Nesta análise, pretende-se determinar se o programa contribui positivamente para a percepção das mulheres de sentirem-se melhor preparadas para o parto. Um ensaio aleatorizado por conglomerados foi realizado em 20 unidades de saúde da atenção primária de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, entre 2015 e 2016. Dados de entrevista e revisão de prontuários foram coletados de 1210 mulheres. Estes foram submetidos a dois modelos de análise, por protocolo e intenção de tratamento. Receber informações do programa PRENACEL durante a gestação foi associado a um aumento na percepção das mulheres de se sentirem melhor preparadas para o parto, e na percepção de que o pré-natal colabora para que se sintam mais preparadas. Também foram observados impactos positivos no estabelecimento do contato pele a pele e aleitamento materno em sala de parto e no conhecimento sobre intervenções obstétricas. Não foram encontradas diferenças nos demais desfechos maternos e perinatais avaliados, incluindo a satisfação das mulheres com o atendimento ao parto. O PRENACEL pode contribuir com a ampliação do acesso das mulheres a informações que lhes sejam estratégicas para que se sintam mais bem preparadas para a experiência do parto.

PRENACEL es una investigación que incorpora dos abordajes innovadores para la salud materna y perinatal: la necesidad de mejorar los niveles de satisfacción de las mujeres que han vivido la experiencia de un parto; además de la evaluación de los impactos del uso de tecnologías de la información y comunicación en salud. Se trata de un programa de comunicación vía mensajes cortos de texto en el móvil, desarrollado para gestantes brasileñas atendidas en el servicio prenatal del Sistema Único de Salud. En este análisis se pretende determinar si el programa contribuye positivamente a la percepción de las mujeres respecto a sentirse mejor preparadas para el parto. Se realizó un ensayo aleatorizado por conglomerados en 20 unidades de salud de atención primaria en Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, entre 2015 y 2016. Los datos de entrevista y revisión de registros médicos se recogieron con 1.210 mujeres. Estos se sometieron a dos modelos de análisis, por protocolo e intención de tratamiento. Recibir información del programa PRENACEL durante la gestación se asoció a un aumento de la percepción de las mujeres en cuanto a sentirse mejor preparadas para el parto, y desde la percepción de que el periodo prenatal presta apoyo para que se sientan más preparadas. También se observaron impactos positivos en el establecimiento del contacto piel con piel, lactancia materna en sala de parto, y en el conocimiento sobre intervenciones obstétricas. No se observaron diferencias en los demás desenlaces maternos y perinatales evaluados, incluyendo la satisfacción de las mujeres con la atención durante el parto. PRENACEL puede contribuir a la ampliación del acceso de las mujeres a información que les resulte estratégica para que se sientan mejor preparadas durante la experiencia del parto.

Estratégia de comunicação e informação em saúde e a percepção de sentir-se preparada para o parto: ensaio aleatorizado por conglomerados (PRENACEL) / Estrategia de comunicación e información en salud y la percepción de sentirse preparada para el parto: ensayo aleatorizado por conglomerados (PRENACEL) / A communication and information strategy in health and preparation for childbirth: a randomized cluster trial (PRENACEL)

Resumo: O PRENACEL é uma pesquisa que incorpora duas abordagens inovadoras para a saúde materna e perinatal: a necessidade de melhorar os níveis de satisfação das mulheres com a experiência do parto; e, a avaliação de impactos do uso de tecnologias de informação e comunicação em saúde. Trata-se de um programa de comunicação via mensagens curtas de textos no celular desenvolvido para gestantes brasileiras atendidas no pré-natal do Sistema Único de Saúde. Nesta análise, pretende-se determinar se o programa contribui positivamente para a percepção das mulheres de sentirem-se melhor preparadas para o parto. Um ensaio aleatorizado por conglomerados foi realizado em 20 unidades de saúde da atenção primária de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, entre 2015 e 2016. Dados de entrevista e revisão de prontuários foram coletados de 1210 mulheres. Estes foram submetidos a dois modelos de análise, por protocolo e intenção de tratamento. Receber informações do programa PRENACEL durante a gestação foi associado a um aumento na percepção das mulheres de se sentirem melhor preparadas para o parto, e na percepção de que o pré-natal colabora para que se sintam mais preparadas. Também foram observados impactos positivos no estabelecimento do contato pele a pele e aleitamento materno em sala de parto e no conhecimento sobre intervenções obstétricas. Não foram encontradas diferenças nos demais desfechos maternos e perinatais avaliados, incluindo a satisfação das mulheres com o atendimento ao parto. O PRENACEL pode contribuir com a ampliação do acesso das mulheres a informações que lhes sejam estratégicas para que se sintam mais bem preparadas para a experiência do parto.

Resumen: PRENACEL es una investigación que incorpora dos abordajes innovadores para la salud materna y perinatal: la necesidad de mejorar los niveles de satisfacción de las mujeres que han vivido la experiencia de un parto; además de la evaluación de los impactos del uso de tecnologías de la información y comunicación en salud. Se trata de un programa de comunicación vía mensajes cortos de texto en el móvil, desarrollado para gestantes brasileñas atendidas en el servicio prenatal del Sistema Único de Salud. En este análisis se pretende determinar si el programa contribuye positivamente a la percepción de las mujeres respecto a sentirse mejor preparadas para el parto. Se realizó un ensayo aleatorizado por conglomerados en 20 unidades de salud de atención primaria en Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, entre 2015 y 2016. Los datos de entrevista y revisión de registros médicos se recogieron con 1.210 mujeres. Estos se sometieron a dos modelos de análisis, por protocolo e intención de tratamiento. Recibir información del programa PRENACEL durante la gestación se asoció a un aumento de la percepción de las mujeres en cuanto a sentirse mejor preparadas para el parto, y desde la percepción de que el periodo prenatal presta apoyo para que se sientan más preparadas. También se observaron impactos positivos en el establecimiento del contacto piel con piel, lactancia materna en sala de parto, y en el conocimiento sobre intervenciones obstétricas. No se observaron diferencias en los demás desenlaces maternos y perinatales evaluados, incluyendo la satisfacción de las mujeres con la atención durante el parto. PRENACEL puede contribuir a la ampliación del acceso de las mujeres a información que les resulte estratégica para que se sientan mejor preparadas durante la experiencia del parto.

Abstract: PRENACEL is a study that incorporates two innovative approaches to maternal and perinatal health: the need to improve women's level of satisfaction with the birthing experience and an assessment of the impacts of information and communication technologies in health. The approaches involve a communication program via short cellphone text messages, developed for Brazilian pregnant women in prenatal care in the Brazilian Unified National Health System. The analysis aims to determine whether the program contributes positively to women's perceived preparedness for childbirth. A randomized cluster trial was performed in 20 primary care units in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State, in 2015 and 2016. Data were collected for 1,210 women from interviews and patient charts. The data were submitted to two analytical models, per protocol and intention-to-treat. Women that had received information from the PRENACEL program during pregnancy were more likely to feel prepared for labor and delivery and to feel that prenatal care had helped them feel more prepared. There were also positive impacts on bonding with the newborn and breastfeeding in the delivery room and on knowledge of obstetric interventions. No differences were seen in the other maternal and perinatal outcomes, including women's satisfaction with the birthing care. PRENACEL can help expand women's access to strategic information for them to feel better prepared for the birthing experience.

Progression of the first stage of spontaneous labour: A prospective cohort study in two sub-Saharan African countries.

BACKGROUND: Escalation in the global rates of labour interventions, particularly cesarean section and oxytocin augmentation, has renewed interest in a better understanding of natural labour progression. Methodological advancements in statistical and computational techniques addressing the limitations of pioneer studies have led to novel findings and triggered a re-evaluation of current labour practices. As part of the World Health Organization's Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD) project, which aimed to develop a new labour monitoring-to-action tool, we examined the patterns of labour progression as depicted by cervical dilatation over time in a cohort of women in Nigeria and Uganda who gave birth vaginally following a spontaneous labour onset. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This was a prospective, multicentre, cohort study of 5,606 women with singleton, vertex, term gestation who presented at ≤ 6 cm of cervical dilatation following a spontaneous labour onset that resulted in a vaginal birth with no adverse birth outcomes in 13 hospitals across Nigeria and Uganda. We independently applied survival analysis and multistate Markov models to estimate the duration of labour centimetre by centimetre until 10 cm and the cumulative duration of labour from the cervical dilatation at admission through 10 cm. Multistate Markov and nonlinear mixed models were separately used to construct average labour curves. All analyses were conducted according to three parity groups: parity = 0 (n = 2,166), parity = 1 (n = 1,488), and parity = 2+ (n = 1,952). We performed sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of oxytocin augmentation on labour progression by re-examining the progression patterns after excluding women with augmented labours. Labour was augmented with oxytocin in 40% of nulliparous and 28% of multiparous women. The median time to advance by 1 cm exceeded 1 hour until 5 cm was reached in both nulliparous and multiparous women. Based on a 95th percentile threshold, nulliparous women may take up to 7 hours to progress from 4 to 5 cm and over 3 hours to progress from 5 to 6 cm. Median cumulative duration of labour indicates that nulliparous women admitted at 4 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm reached 10 cm within an expected time frame if the dilatation rate was ≥ 1 cm/hour, but their corresponding 95th percentiles show that labour could last up to 14, 11, and 9 hours, respectively. Substantial differences exist between actual plots of labour progression of individual women and the 'average labour curves' derived from study population-level data. Exclusion of women with augmented labours from the study population resulted in slightly faster labour progression patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical dilatation during labour in the slowest-yet-normal women can progress more slowly than the widely accepted benchmark of 1 cm/hour, irrespective of parity. Interventions to expedite labour to conform to a cervical dilatation threshold of 1 cm/hour may be inappropriate, especially when applied before 5 cm in nulliparous and multiparous women. Averaged labour curves may not truly reflect the variability associated with labour progression, and their use for decision-making in labour management should be de-emphasized.

PRENACEL - a mHealth messaging system to complement antenatal care: a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether PRENACEL (a bi-directional, mobile-phone based, short text message service (SMS)) increases the coverage of recommended antenatal care (ANC) practices. METHODS: A parallel, cluster-randomized trial in which 20 public primary Health Care Units (PHCUs) were randomly allocated to the intervention (10 PHCUs) or control (10 PHCUs) group. The study population included pregnant women aged 18 or above with a gestational age of 20 weeks or less. Pregnant women receiving ANC in intervention PHCUs were invited through leaflets and posters to register in PRENACEL. Women who registered in PRENACEL received a weekly set of short text messages with health education and health promotion content related to pregnancy and childbirth and were also able to clarify ANC queries through SMS. All women received routine ANC. The primary outcome was the proportion of women with high ANC Score, a composite measure of coverage of recommended ANC practices. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests and multivariate log-binomial regression were used to analyze the outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1210 eligible women received ANC in the participating PHCUs and took part of this study (770 in the intervention group and 440 in the control group). 20.4% (157/770) of intervention-group women registered in PRENACEL, but only 116 read all messages (73.9% of women who registered in PRENACEL, 116/157). The adjusted intention-to-treat analysis suggested no difference between intervention and control groups in the primary outcome (Adjusted Relative Risk (AdjRR): 1.05 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.00-1.09). Both crude and adjusted per-protocol analysis suggested a positive effect of PRENACEL (Crude RR (95% CI): 1.14 (1.06-1.22), AdjRR (95% CI): 1.12 (1.05-1.21). The multivariate analysis also suggests that the PRENACEL group (women who read all SMS) had higher mean ANC score [48.5 (±4.2) vs 45.2 (±8.7), p < 0.01], higher proportion of women with ≥6 ANC visits (96.9% vs. 84.8%, p = 0.01), and higher rates of syphilis testing (40.5% vs. 24.8%, p = 0.03) and HIV testing (46.6% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.01) during ANC. CONCLUSIONS: A bi-directional, mobile-phone based, short text message service is potentially useful to improve the coverage of recommended ANC practices, including syphilis and HIV testing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registry: RBR-54zf73 , U1111-1163-7761.

Resumo: Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar se o PRENACEL, um serviço bidirecional de mensagens curtas de texto (SMS) com base na telefonia celular, aumenta a cobertura das práticas recomendadas de cuidados pré-natais (PN). Métodos: um ensaio paralelo, aleatorizado por conglomerados, no qual 20 unidades básicas de saúde (UBS) foram alocadas aleatoriamente para o grupo de intervenção (10 UBS) ou controle (10 UBS). A população estudada incluiu gestantes com idade igual ou superior a 18 anos com idade gestacional de 20 semanas ou menos. As gestantes que receberam PN em UBS intervenção foram convidadas através de folhetos e cartazes para se inscreverem no PRENACEL. As mulheres que se registraram no PRENACEL receberam um conjunto semanal de SMS com conteúdo de educação e promoção da saúde relacionadas à gravidez e parto e também puderam esclarecer dúvidas relacionadas ao PN através de SMS. Todas as mulheres receberam PN de rotina. O desfecho primário foi a proporção de mulheres com um alto escore de PN, uma medida da cobertura das principais práticas recomendadas no PN. Resultados: um total de 1.210 mulheres participaram deste estudo (770 no grupo de intervenção e 440 no grupo de controle). 20,4% (157/770) das mulheres do grupo de intervenção demonstraram interesse e foram registradas no PRENACEL, mas apenas 116 leram as mensagens (73,9%, 116/157). A análise ajustada de intenção de tratamento sugeriu ausência de efeito da intervenção no desfecho primário (Risco Relativo (RR) ajustado: 1,05, Intervalo de Confiança (IC) de 95%: 1,00-1,09). A análise por protocolo sugeriu um efeito positivo do PRENACEL [RR bruto (IC 95%): 1,14 (1,06-1,22), RR ajustado (IC 95%): 1,12 (1,05-1,21)]. A análise multivariada sugeriu que as mulheres que leram os SMS apresentaram a maior média do escore de PN [48,5 (±4,2) vs 45,2 (±8,7), p < 0,01], maior proporção de mulheres com ≥6 consultas (96,9% vs. 84,8%, p = 0,01) e maiores taxas de teste de sífilis (40,5% vs. 24,8%, p = 0,03) e HIV (46,6% vs. 25,7%, p < 0,01) durante o PN. Conclusões: o sistema PRENACEL é potencialmente útil para melhorar a cobertura das práticas recomendadas de PN, incluindo testes de sífilis e HIV.

The development of a Simplified, Effective, Labour Monitoring-to-Action (SELMA) tool for Better Outcomes in Labour Difficulty (BOLD): study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The partograph is currently the main tool available to support decision-making of health professionals during labour. However, the rate of appropriate use of the partograph is disappointingly low. Apart from limitations that are associated with partograph use, evidence of positive impact on labour-related health outcomes is lacking. The main goal of this study is to develop a Simplified, Effective, Labour Monitoring-to-Action (SELMA) tool. The primary objectives are: to identify the essential elements of intrapartum monitoring that trigger the decision to use interventions aimed at preventing poor labour outcomes; to develop a simplified, monitoring-to-action algorithm for labour management; and to compare the diagnostic performance of SELMA and partograph algorithms as tools to identify women who are likely to develop poor labour-related outcomes. METHODS/DESIGN: A prospective cohort study will be conducted in eight health facilities in Nigeria and Uganda (four facilities from each country). All women admitted for vaginal birth will comprise the study population (estimated sample size: 7,812 women). Data will be collected on maternal characteristics on admission, labour events and pregnancy outcomes by trained research assistants at the participating health facilities. Prediction models will be developed to identify women at risk of intrapartum-related perinatal death or morbidity (primary outcomes) throughout the course of labour. These predictions models will be used to assemble a decision-support tool that will be able to suggest the best course of action to avert adverse outcomes during the course of labour. To develop this set of prediction models, we will use up-to-date techniques of prognostic research, including identification of important predictors, assigning of relative weights to each predictor, estimation of the predictive performance of the model through calibration and discrimination, and determination of its potential for application using internal validation techniques. DISCUSSION: This research offers an opportunity to revisit the theoretical basis of the partograph. It is envisioned that the final product would help providers overcome the challenging tasks of promptly interpreting complex labour information and deriving appropriate clinical actions, and thus increase efficiency of the care process, enhance providers' competence and ultimately improve labour outcomes. Please see related articles ' http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12978-015-0027-6 ' and ' http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12978-015-0028-5 '.