Financial Toxicity in Relation to Childbirth.

OBJECTIVE: To measure change in financial toxicity from pregnancy to the postpartum period and to identify factors associated with this change. DESIGN: Repeated cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Obstetric clinics at an academic medical center in Massachusetts between May 2020 and May 2022. PARTICIPANTS: Obstetric patients who were 18 years of age or older (N = 242). METHODS: Respondents completed surveys that included the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity tool during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. We collected additional medical record data, including gestational age, birth weight, and cesarean birth. We used paired t tests to assess changes in financial toxicity before and after childbirth and one-way analysis of variance to compare average change in financial toxicity by demographic and medical variables. RESULTS: The mean current financial toxicity score was significantly lower after childbirth (M = 19.0, SD = 4.6) than during pregnancy (M = 21.8, SD = 5.4), t(241) = 13.31, p < .001. Concern for future financial toxicity was not significantly different after childbirth (M = 8.5, SD = 2.9) compared to during pregnancy (M = 8.2, SD = 3.0), t(241) = -1.80, p = .07. Individual-level sociodemographic variables (e.g., racial/ethnic category, insurance, employment) and medical factors (e.g., cesarean birth, preterm birth) were not associated with change in financial toxicity. CONCLUSION: Among respondents, financial toxicity worsened after childbirth, and patients are at risk regardless of their individual socioeconomic and medical conditions.

An evaluation of the utility of computed tomography in high-risk endometrial cancer surveillance.

OBJECTIVES: Endometrial cancer is a collection of heterogeneous histologies and molecular subtypes with different risk profiles. High-risk endometrial cancer surveillance regimens vary amongst providers. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends symptom and exam-based surveillance for all endometrial cancers after remission, regardless of cancer stage and histology. Our objective was to identify the first method of detection of recurrence in high-risk endometrial cancers and examine disease recurrence and treatment patterns. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with high-risk endometrial cancer between November 2013 and February 2020 was conducted at a large academic institution. High-risk endometrial cancers were classified by histology and pathologic stage and were categorized by primary method of detection. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-nine patients were identified with high-risk endometrial cancer, 63 (28 %) of whom had a recurrence. Most recurrences were first detected with routine imaging in 31 patients (49.2 %) and symptom surveillance in 24 patients (38.15 %). Regardless of the detection method, most patients underwent systemic treatment. The average survival after recurrence was 2.0 years in the imaging cohort and 1.6 years in the non-imaging surveillance cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The most common site of recurrence in our cohort of high-risk endometrial cancer was in the lung, and most recurrences were identified with asymptomatic imaging. Though there was no statistically significant difference between the survival of those who underwent imaging surveillance vs. standard of care, there was a trend toward survival that deems further exploration with a larger cohort.

A Qualitative Study of Hospitals and Payers Implementing Community Doula Support.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of doula care on birth outcomes is well-established; however, doula support remains underutilized. Identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation is integral as the demand for doula care increases. The primary objective of this study was to examine doula program implementation across hospitals and payers at varying stages of implementation. METHODS: Representatives from 4 hospitals and 2 payers participated in focus group discussions. The doula programs were categorized as anticipated, initial, and advanced implementation statuses. Coding and thematic analysis were conducted using a deductive application of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. RESULTS: There were 20 participants across 5 focus group discussions. Participants were mostly female, and nearly all had worked at their organization for at least 2 years. Salient themes shared across participants included valuing internal outcome data or peer-reviewed literature to support doula care as well as anecdotal stories; the reality of the resource-intensive nature of doula care implementation that goes beyond funding for doulas; and both the need for individual champions for change, such as midwives, and a supportive organizational culture that values health equity. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study highlight 3 contextual aspects that should be considered when implementing doula programs. These recommendations include: (1) use of a combination of research evidence and anecdotes when eliciting stakeholder support; (2) consideration of resources beyond funding such as program implementation support; (3) critical evaluation of organizational culture as a primary driver influencing the implementation of doula care. The future of the doula workforce in United States hospitals rests on the crux of intentional buy-in from hospital administration and clinical providers as well as the availability of requisite resources.

Communication Preferences During Pregnancy Care Among Patients With Primary Spanish Language: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Qualified language service providers (QLSPs)-professional interpreters or multilingual clinicians certified to provide care in another language-are critical to ensuring meaningful language access for patients. Designing patient-centered systems for language access could improve quality of pregnancy care. OBJECTIVE: We synthesized and identified gaps in knowledge about communication preferences during pregnancy care among patients with Spanish primary language. METHODS: We performed a scoping review of original research studies published between 2000 and 2022 that assessed communication preferences in Spanish-speaking populations during pregnancy care. Studies underwent title, abstract, and full-text review by three investigators. Data were extracted for synthesis and thematic analysis. RESULTS: We retrieved 1,539 studies. After title/abstract screening, 36 studies underwent full-text review, and 13 of them met inclusion criteria. Two additional studies were included after reference tracing. This yielded a total of 15 studies comprising qualitative (n = 7), quantitative (n = 4), and mixed-methods (n = 4) studies. Three communication preference themes were identified: language access through QLSPs (n = 7); interpersonal dynamics and perceptions of quality of care (n = 9); and information provision and shared decision-making (n = 8). Although seven studies reported a strong patient preference to receive prenatal care from Spanish-speaking clinicians, none of the included studies assessed clinician Spanish language proficiency or QLSP categorization. CONCLUSIONS: Few studies have assessed communication preferences during pregnancy care among patients with primary Spanish language. Future studies to improve communication during pregnancy care for patients with primary Spanish language require intentional analysis of their communication preferences, including precision regarding language proficiency among clinicians.

Facilitating positive birth experience when preferences are not met: A qualitative analysis.

INTRODUCTION: High-quality health systems rely on care that centers on patient preferences. Realization of patient preferences can improve the birth experience. However, in the dynamic setting of birth, birth preferences can diverge from what is medically indicated. Through studying women and birthing peoples' experiences of unplanned labor procedures, we aimed to identify ways in which practitioners can support women and birthing people through unexpected or unwanted aspects of their delivery. Specifically, we focused on labor induction. METHODS: In one large US academic center, women and birthing people participated in prenatal and postpartum surveys regarding their desires, expectations, and experiences of labor induction. From April to November 2021, participants were eligible if they showed discordance between having labor induction and whether it was initially wanted or expected. Interviews focused on attitudes toward birth preferences and outcomes, with attention to discordances. We analyzed interviews through a modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Of 22 participants, our sample was predominantly white (91%). Participants in this sample reported discordance between wanting and experiencing (73%) and/or expecting and experiencing (54%) an induction. We identified two themes: "Discordance without mitigation is perceived as a negative experience" and "Practitioner interaction can buffer against negative experience" which includes three ways in which participants prefer support in instances of discordance: preparation, communication, and care and comfort. These methods of support foster patient autonomy and can lead to positive patient experiences. CONCLUSIONS: While medical systems should work to support patient preferences, our results suggest that patients can still have positive birth experiences, even when preferences are not fulfilled. Early practitioner preparation, positive communication, and responsive care and comfort may help to improve patient birth experience when challenges arise.

Experiences and Communication Preferences in Pregnancy Care Among Patients With a Spanish Language Preference: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore Spanish-speaking patients' experiences and preferences regarding communication during pregnancy care with specific attention to language barriers. METHODS: Patients with a Spanish language preference who gave birth between July 2022 and February 2023 at an academic medical center were invited to participate in focus groups. Focus groups were held over Zoom, audio-recorded, transcribed in Spanish, translated into English, and reviewed for translation accuracy. Thematic analysis was conducted with deductive and inductive approaches. Three investigators double-coded all transcripts, and discrepancies were resolved through team consensus. RESULTS: Seven focus groups (27 total participants, range 2-6 per group) were held. Three key themes emerged regarding patient experiences and communication preferences when seeking pregnancy care: 1) language concordance and discordance between patients and clinicians are not binary-they exist on a continuum; 2) language-discordant care is common and presents communication challenges, even with qualified interpreters present; and 3) language discordance can be overcome with positive interpersonal dynamics between clinicians and patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the importance of relationship to overcome language discordance among patients with limited English proficiency during pregnancy care. These findings inform potential structural change and patient-clinician dyad interventions to better meet the communication needs of patients with limited English proficiency.

Development of a Maternal Equity Safety Bundle to Eliminate Racial Inequities in Massachusetts.

OBJECTIVE: The PNQIN (Perinatal-Neonatal Quality Improvement Network of Massachusetts) sought to adapt the Reduction of Peripartum Racial and Ethnic Disparities Conceptual Framework and Maternal Safety Consensus Bundle by selecting and defining measures to create a bundle to address maternal health inequities in Massachusetts. This study describes the process of developing consensus-based measures to implement the PNQIN Maternal Equity Bundle across Massachusetts hospitals participating in the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health Initiative. METHODS: Our team used a mixed-methods approach to create the PNQIN Maternal Equity Bundle through consensus including a literature review, expert interviews, and a modified Delphi process to compile, define, and select measures to drive maternal equity-focused action. Stakeholders were identified by purposive and snowball sampling and included obstetrician-gynecologists, midwives, nurses, epidemiologists, and racial equity scholars. Dedoose 9.0 was used to complete an inductive analysis of interview transcripts. A modified Delphi method was used to reach consensus on recommendations and measures for the PNQIN Maternal Equity Bundle. RESULTS: Twenty-five interviews were completed. Seven themes emerged, including the need for 1) data stratification by race, ethnicity and language; 2) performance of a readiness assessment; 3) culture shift toward equity; 4) inclusion of antiracism and bias training; 5) addressing challenges of nonacademic hospitals; 6) a life-course approach; and 7) selection of timing of implementation. Twenty initial quality measures (structure, process, and outcome) were identified through expert interviews. Group consensus supported 10 measures to be incorporated into the bundle. CONCLUSION: Structure, process, and outcome quality measures were selected and defined for a maternal equity safety bundle that seeks to create an equity-focused infrastructure and equity-specific actions at birthing facilities. Implementation of an equity-focused safety bundle at birthing facilities may close racial gaps in maternal outcomes.

Financial toxicity in pregnancy and postpartum.

INTRODUCTION: The financial burden of pregnancy in the United States can be high and is associated with worse mental health and birth outcomes. Research on the financial burden of health care, such as the development of the COmprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) tool, has been conducted primarily among patients with cancer. This study aimed to validate the COST tool and use it to measure financial toxicity and its impacts among obstetric patients. METHODS: We used survey and medical record data from obstetric patients at a large medical center in the United States. We validated the COST tool using common factor analysis. We used linear regression to identify risk factors for financial toxicity and to investigate associations between financial toxicity and patient outcomes including satisfaction, access, mental health, and birth outcomes. RESULTS: The COST tool measured two distinct constructs of financial toxicity in this sample: current financial toxicity and concern over future financial toxicity. Racial/ethnic category, insurance, neighborhood deprivation, caregiving, and employment were associated with current financial toxicity (P < 0.05 for all). Only racial/ethnic category and caregiving were associated with concern over future financial toxicity (P < 0.05 for all). Both current and future financial toxicity were associated with worse patient-provider communication, depressive symptoms, and stress (P < 0.05 for all). Financial toxicity was not associated with birth outcomes or keeping obstetric visits. CONCLUSIONS: The COST tool captures two constructs among obstetric patients, current and future financial toxicity, both of which are associated with worse mental health and patient-provider communication.

The impact of a community health worker intervention on uptake of antenatal care: a cluster-randomized pragmatic trial in Dar es Salaam.

The provision of high-quality antenatal care (ANC) is important for preventing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity, but only around half of pregnant women in Tanzania attended four or more ANC visits in 2019. Although there is emerging evidence on the benefit of community health worker (CHW) interventions on ANC uptake, few large-scale pragmatic trials have been conducted. This pragmatic cluster-randomized trial, implemented directly through the public sector health system, assessed the impact of an intervention that trained public sector CHWs to promote the uptake of ANC. We randomized 60 administrative wards in Dar es Salaam to either a targeted CHW intervention or a standard of care. The impact of the intervention was assessed using generalized estimating equations with an independent working correlation matrix to account for clustering within wards. A total of 243 908 women were included in the analysis of our primary outcome of four or more ANC visits. The intervention significantly increased the likelihood of attending four or more ANC visits [relative risk (RR): 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 1.92] and had a modest beneficial effect on the total number of ANC visits (percent change: 7.7%; 95% CI: 0.2%, 15.5%). While slightly more women in the intervention arm attended ANC in their first trimester compared with the standard-of-care arm (19% vs 18.7%), the difference was not significant (RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.84, 1.22). Our findings suggest that trained CHWs can increase attendance of ANC visits in Dar es Salaam and similar settings. However, additional interventions appear necessary to promote the early initiation of ANC. This study demonstrates that routine health system data can be leveraged for outcome assessment in trials and programme evaluation and that the results are likely superior, both in terms of bias and precision, to data that are collected specifically for science.

Perspectives on cultural competency and race concordance from perinatal patients and community-based doulas.

BACKGROUND: As awareness of perinatal health disparities grows, many birthing people of color are seeking racially and/or culturally concordant providers. We described preferences for, and perceptions of, racial and/or cultural concordance and cultural competence in the context of the doula-client relationship. METHODS: Seven focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 27 participants were conducted to investigate the perspectives of patients and doulas across Massachusetts, United States. An interdisciplinary stakeholder group informed the data collection instrument content and design. Two coders achieved 0.89 Kappa for inter-rater reliability prior to coding the remaining transcripts. We used a modified grounded theory approach and Dedoose software for coding. RESULTS: Two major themes emerged. First, cultural competency in doula care is a learning process, with definitions consistent with terms such as "cultural humility" and "structural competency." Doulas discussed listening to clients' needs rather than making assumptions, the importance of understanding privilege and power dynamics, and self-initiating relevant education beyond formal doula training. Second, trust was most frequently cited as an indicator of successful doula-patient relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Most study participants specified the importance of cultural humility in doula-client relationships. Doulas approaching the relationship humbly with a willingness to learn and challenge their own assumptions-regardless of the level of concordance-can make a meaningful impact on the perinatal experience.

Feasibility and acceptability of an HPV self-testing strategy: lessons from a research context to assess for ability to implement into primary care at a national level in Botswana.

Background: The WHO strategy for cervical cancer elimination strives to achieve 70% coverage with high-performance cervical screening. While few low- and middle-income countries have achieved this, high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) self-testing creates the possibility to rapidly upscale access to high-performance cervical screening across resource settings. However, effective hrHPV screening requires linkage to follow-up, which has been variable in prior studies. This study developed and tested an implementation strategy aimed at improving screening and linkage to follow-up care in South East District in Botswana. Methods: This study performed primary hrHPV self-testing; those with positive results were referred for a triage visit. Withdrawals for any reason, loss-to follow-up between hrHPV test and triage visit, and number of call attempts to give hrHPV results were also documented. Acceptability of the program to patients was measured as the proportion of patients who completed a triage visit when indicated, meeting the a priori threshold of 80%. Feasibility was defined as the proportion of participants receiving the results and attending follow-up. To assess the associations between participant characteristics and loss-to-follow-up we used log-binomial regressions to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Enrollment of 3,000 women occurred from February 2021 to August 2022. In total, 10 participants withdrew and an additional 33 were determined ineligible after consent, leaving a final cohort of 2,957 participants who underwent self-swab hrHPV testing. Half (50%) of participants tested positive for hrHPV and nearly all (98%) of participants received their hrHPV results, primarily via telephone.  Few calls to participants were required to communicate results: 2,397 (82%) required one call, 386 (13%) required 2 calls, and only 151 (5%) required 3-5 calls. The median time from specimen collection to participant receiving results was 44 days (IQR, 27-65). Of all hrHPV positive participants, 1,328 (90%) attended a triage visit. Discussion: In a large cohort we had low loss-to-follow-up of 10%, indicating that the strategy is acceptable. Telephonic results reporting was associated with high screening completion, required few calls to participants, and supports the feasibility of hrHPV self-testing in primary care followed by interval triage.

A peer-facilitated psychological group intervention for perinatal women living with HIV and depression in Tanzania-Healthy Options: A cluster-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal women living with HIV (PWLH) have a greater risk of depression compared to other women; however, there are limited specialized mental health services available to them. We aimed to determine whether a stepped-care intervention facilitated by trained lay providers can improve mental health outcomes postpartum for PWLH. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Healthy Options is a cluster-randomized controlled study conducted in 16 government-managed antenatal care clinics that provided HIV care for pregnant women in urban Tanzania. Recruitment occurred from May 2015 through April 2016, with the final round of data collection completed in October 2017. Participants included a consecutive sample of pregnant women under 30 weeks of gestation, living with HIV and depression, and attending the study clinics. Control sites received enhanced usual care for depression (EUDC). Intervention sites received EUDC plus the Healthy Options intervention, which includes prenatal group sessions of problem-solving therapy (PST) plus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions for individuals showing depressive symptoms at 6 weeks postdelivery. We assessed depressive symptoms comparable to major depressive disorder (MDD) using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) with a locally validated cutoff at 9 months and 6 weeks postpartum. The primary time point is 9 months postpartum. We examined differences in outcomes using an intent-to-treat analysis with a complete case approach, meaning those with data at the relevant time point were included in the analysis. We used generalized estimating equations accounting for clustering. Of 818 women screened using the PHQ-9, 742 were determined eligible and enrolled (395 intervention; 347 control); 649 women (87.5%) participated in the first follow-up and 641 women (86.4%) in the second. A majority (270, 74.6%) of women in the intervention arm attended 5 or more PST sessions. Women enrolled in Healthy Options demonstrated a 67% (RR 0.33; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.51; p-value: <0.001; corresponding to a 25.7% difference in absolute risk) lower likelihood of depressive symptoms than women in control clusters at 6 weeks postpartum. At 9 months postpartum, women enrolled in Healthy Options demonstrated a nonsignificant 26% (RR 0.74; 95% CI: 0.42, 1.3; p-value: 0.281; corresponding to a 3.2% difference in absolute risk) lower likelihood of depressive symptoms than women in control clusters. Study limitations include not using diagnostic interviews to measure depression and not blinding data collectors to intervention status during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The Healthy Options intervention did not demonstrate reduction in depressive symptoms at 9 months postpartum, the primary outcome. Significant reductions were seen in depression symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum, the secondary outcome. Stepped-care interventions may be relevant for improving outcomes in the critical early postpartum window. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial registration number (closed to new participants) NCT02039973.

Burden of HIV-related stigma and associated factors among women living with depression accessing PMTCT services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

HIV-related stigma represents a potent risk factor for a range of poor health outcomes, including mental health symptoms, treatment non-adherence, and substance use. Understanding the role of HIV-related stigma in promoting healthcare outcomes is critical for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women living with HIV, in contexts with continued high rates of HIV and associated stigma, such as sub-Saharan Africa. The current study examined a range of risk and protective factors for HIV-related stigma with 742 pregnant women (M age = 29.6 years) living with depression and HIV accessing prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Risk factors included depressive symptoms, ART non-adherence, intimate partner violence, food insecurity, and alcohol problems. Protective factors included disclosure of HIV status, social support, an appreciative relationship with their partner, hope, and self-efficacy. Findings highlight key psychosocial and behavioral determinants of HIV-related stigma for pregnant women living with HIV in Tanzania, and can inform perinatal care programming and interventions to optimize mental health and adherence outcomes.

Using Longitudinally Linked Data to Measure Severe Maternal Morbidity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether application of a standard algorithm to hospitalizations in the prenatal and postpartum (42 days) periods increases identification of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) beyond analysis of only the delivery event. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from the PELL (Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal) database, a Massachusetts population-based data system that links records from birth certificates to delivery hospital discharge records and nonbirth hospital records for all birthing individuals. We included deliveries from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018, distinguishing between International Classification of Diseases Ninth (ICD-9) and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) coding. We applied the modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention algorithm for SMM used by the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health to hospitalizations across the antenatal period through 42 days postpartum. Morbidity was examined both with and without blood transfusion. RESULTS: Overall, 594,056 deliveries were included in the analysis, and 3,947 deliveries met criteria for SMM at delivery without transfusion and 9,593 with transfusion for aggregate rates of 150.1 (95% CI 146.7-153.5) using ICD-9 codes and 196.6 (95% CI 189.5-203.7) using ICD-10 codes per 10,000 deliveries. Severe maternal morbidity at birth increased steadily across both ICD-9 and ICD-10 from 129.4 in 2009 (95% CI 126.2-132.6) using ICD-9 to 214.3 per 10,000 (95% CI 206.9-221.8) in 2018 using ICD-10. Adding prenatal and postpartum hospitalizations increased cases by 21.9% under both ICD-9 and ICD-10, resulting in a 2018 rate of 258.7 per 10,000 (95% CI 250.5-266.9). The largest increase in detected morbidity in the prenatal or postpartum time period was attributed to sepsis cases. CONCLUSION: Inclusion of prenatal and postpartum hospitalizations in the identification of SMM resulted in increased ascertainment of morbid events. These results suggest a need to ensure surveillance of care quality activities beyond the birth event.

Measuring user experience of care among caregivers of sick children: Validation and descriptive analysis in a sample of 75 health facilities in rural Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE: User experience is an important aspect of quality of care that is highly valued by patients. However, there are currently no validated tools for measuring user experience among caregivers of sick children in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to develop and validate a measure of user experience in this population in primary healthcare facilities in rural Tanzania, where major quality improvement efforts to date have not included a large focus on user experience. We then aimed to describe variation in user experience between and within facilities. METHODS: Informed by theory and formative qualitative research, we developed questions to measure user experience across three domains: prompt care, respect, and communication. We then conducted interviewer-administered surveys with caregivers of sick children. Using survey data, we conducted psychometric analyses to inform the development of a composite measure of user experience. Finally, we used multilevel models to describe variation in user experience and examine associations with facility, patient, and caregiver characteristics. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 1085 caregivers across 75 facilities. In exploratory factor analysis, user experience items did not group according to theoretical domains. We therefore assessed items individually and designed a single 8-item additive measure of user experience. Using this composite measure, and adjusting for differences in case mix across facilities, we found that 69% of variation in user experience was within facilities and 31% was between facilities. Smaller facility size and more caregiver education were positively associated with user experience. CONCLUSIONS: We found that user experience varied significantly across health facilities in rural Tanzania, highlighting opportunities for improvement. Measurement tools are needed to inform efforts to improve user experience and monitor changes over time. The scale developed in this study could serve as a starting point for the measurement of user experience among caregivers in similar settings.

Prevalence and factors associated with intimate partner violence after HIV status disclosure among pregnant women with depression in Tanzania.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) exacts a heavy burden on women, resulting in poor health outcomes. This study had the following aims: (1) estimate the prevalence of IPV post-disclosure of HIV status among pregnant women living with HIV and depression; and (2) evaluate risk and protective factors for IPV post-disclosure. Participants were women accessing PMTCT services at 16 health facilities in Dar es Salaam and screened at the threshold of 9 on the PHQ-9. Generalized linear equations with a log link and standard errors clustered at the facility level were used to calculate associations between predictors and IPV post-disclosure. Among 659 women who were in an intimate relationship, 10.2% had experienced physical violence and 11.6% had reported sexual violence from their partner in the past six months; 327 had disclosed their HIV status to their partners. After disclosure to their partners 279 women (85.3%) experienced IPV. HIV-related stigma was associated with increased risk of IPV following disclosure and appreciative relationships with partners and higher hope were associated with reduced risk of IPV. There is a need to identify and advance approaches to HIV disclosure that prevent IPV. Interventions should be developed based on known risk and protective factors for IPV following HIV disclosure in Tanzania and similar settings.

Measuring experiences of facility-based care for pregnant women and newborns: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Access to high-quality, person-centred care during pregnancy and childbirth is a global priority. Positive experience of care is key in particular, because it is both a fundamental right and can influence health outcomes and future healthcare utilisation. Despite its importance for accountability and action, systematic guidance on measuring experience of care is limited. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of published literature to identify measures/instruments for experience of facility-based pregnancy and childbirth (abortion, antenatal, intrapartum, postnatal and newborn) care. We systematically searched five bibliographic databases from 1 January 2007 through 1 February 2019. Using a predefined evidence template, we extracted data on study design, data collection method, study population and care type as reported in primary quantitative articles. We report results narratively. RESULTS: We retrieved 16 528 unique citations, including 171 eligible articles representing, 157 unique instruments and 144 unique parent instruments across 56 countries. Half of the articles (90/171) did not use a validated instrument. While 82% (n=141) of articles reported on labour and childbirth care, only one reported on early pregnancy/abortion care. The most commonly reported sub-domains of user experience were communication (84%, 132/157) and respect and dignity (71%, 111/157). The primary purpose of most papers was measurement (70%, 119/171), largely through cross-sectional surveys. CONCLUSION: There are alarming gaps in measurement of user experience for abortion, antenatal, postnatal and newborn care, including lack of validated instruments to measure the effects of interventions and policies on user experience. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION DETAILS: This review was registered and published on PROSPERO (CRD42017070867). PROSPERO is an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care.

State handgun purchase age minimums in the US and adolescent suicide rates: regression discontinuity and difference-in-differences analyses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between US state policies that establish age 18 or 21 years as the minimum purchaser age for the sale of handguns and adolescent suicide rate. DESIGN: Regression discontinuity and difference-in-differences analyses. SETTING: 46 US states without policy changes between 2001 and 2017; Missouri and South Carolina, which lowered the age for handgun sales in 2007 and 2008, respectively; and West Virginia and Wyoming, which increased the age for handgun sales in 2010. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents aged 13 to 20 years(554 461 961 from 2001 to 2017) in the regression discontinuity analysis, and adolescents aged 18 to 20 years (168 934 041 from 2002 to 2014) in the main difference-in-differences analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Suicide rate per 100 000 adolescents. RESULTS: In the regression discontinuity analysis, state policies that limited the sale of handguns to those aged 18 or older (relative to 21 or older) were associated with an increase in suicide rate among adolescents aged 18 to 20 years equivalent to 344 additional suicides in each state where they were in place between 2001 and 2017. In the difference-in-differences analysis, state policies that limited the sale of handguns to those aged 21 or older were associated with 1.91 fewer suicides per 100 000 adolescents aged 18 to 20 years (95% confidence interval -3.13 to -0.70, permutation adjusted P=0.025). In the difference-in-differences analysis, there were 1.83 fewer firearm related suicides per 100 000 adolescents (-2.66 to -1.00, permutation adjusted P=0.002), with no association between age 21 handgun sales policies and non-firearm related suicides. Separate event study estimates indicated increases in suicide rates in states that lowered the age of handgun sales, with no association in states that increased the age of handgun sales. CONCLUSIONS: A clear discontinuity was shown in the suicide rate by age at age 18 in states that limited the sale of handguns to individuals aged 18 or older. State policies to limit the sale of handguns to individuals aged 21 or older were associated with a reduction in suicide rates among adolescents. Increases in suicide rates were observed after states lowered the age of handgun sales, but no effect was found in states that increased the age of handgun sales.

Sequential screening for depression in humanitarian emergencies: a validation study of the Patient Health Questionnaire among Syrian refugees.

BACKGROUND: Despite the need for mental health surveillance in humanitarian emergencies, there is a lack of validated instruments. This study evaluated a sequential screening process for major depressive disorder (MDD) using the two- and eight-item Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-2 and PHQ-8, respectively). METHODS: This study analyzed data collected during a cross-sectional survey in a Syrian refugee camp in Greece (n = 135). The response rate for each instrument was assessed, and response burden was calculated as the number of items completed. The sequential screening process was simulated to replicate the MDD classifications captured if the PHQ-2 was used to narrow the population receiving the full PHQ-8 assessment. All respondents were screened using the PHQ-2. Only respondents scoring ≥ 2 are considered at risk for symptoms of MDD and complete the remaining six items. The positive and negative percent agreement of this sequential screening process were evaluated. RESULTS: The PHQ-2, PHQ-2/8 sequential screening process, and PHQ-8 were completed by 91%, 87%, and 84% of respondents, respectively. The sequential screening process had a positive percent agreement of 89% and a negative percent agreement of 100%, and eliminated the need to complete the full PHQ-8 scale for 34 (25%) respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of the sequential screening approach for the classification of MDD presented here are twofold: preserving classification accuracy relative to the PHQ-2 alone while reducing the response burden of the PHQ-8. This sequential screening approach is a pragmatic strategy for streamlining MDD surveillance in humanitarian emergencies.

Healthy Options: study protocol and baseline characteristics for a cluster randomized controlled trial of group psychotherapy for perinatal women living with HIV and depression in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal women accessing prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services are at an increased risk of depression; however, in Tanzania there is limited access to services provided by mental health professionals. This paper presents a protocol and baseline characteristics for a study evaluating a psychosocial support group intervention facilitated by lay community-based health workers (CBHWs) for perinatal women living with HIV and depression in Dar es Salaam. METHODS: A cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) is conducted comparing: 1) a psychosocial support group intervention; and 2) improved standard of mental health care. The study is implemented in reproductive and child health (RCH) centers providing PMTCT services. Baseline characteristics are presented by comparing sociodemographic characteristics and primary as well as secondary outcomes for the trial for intervention and control groups. The trial is registered under clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02039973). RESULTS: Among 742 women enrolled, baseline characteristics were comparable for intervention and control groups, although more women in the control group had completed secondary school (25.2% versus 18.2%). Overall, findings suggest that the population is highly vulnerable with over 45% demonstrating food insecurity and 17% reporting intimate partner violence in the past 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline characteristics for the cluster RCT were comparable for intervention and control groups. The trial will examine the effectiveness of a psychosocial support group intervention for the treatment of depression among women living with HIV accessing PMTCT services. A reduction in the burden of depression in this vulnerable population has implications in the short-term for improved HIV-related outcomes and for potential long-term effects on child growth and development. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered under clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02039973). Retrospectively registered on January 20, 2014.