Desafios da gestão e cuidado em centros de parto normal: estudo qualitativo com enfermeiros obstetras / Challenges of management and care in normal birth centers: qualitative study with obstetric nurses / Retos del manejo y atención en los centros de parto normal: estudio cualitativo con enfermeros obstétricos

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender os desafios para a gestão do trabalho e do cuidado em centros de parto normal por enfermeiras obstétricas. Método: estudo qualitativo realizado em centros de parto normal no Ceará, Brasil. Participaram 13 enfermeiros e coordenadores da assistência obstétrica, por entrevista, no período de abril a julho de 2020. As categorias temáticas foram organizadas no Software Nvivo 12 Pro® e discutidas com referencial teórico-filosófico da Sociologia das Profissões. Resultados: práticas de cuidado, como massagens de conforto, são realizadas associadas aos elementos da gestão do trabalho, como o dimensionamento da equipe de Enfermagem. Evidenciou-se que há habilidades importantes para atuar como autonomia e liderança da equipe de Enfermagem, mas elementos como a frágil confiança e a interação limitam o pleno desenvolvimento das atividades. Considerações finais: existem desafios para a gestão e o cuidado nos centros de parto normal, como a consolidação de autonomia e construção de confiança com a equipe de saúde.

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand obstetric nurses' challenges in managing work and care in normal birth centers. Method: A qualitative study was carried out in normal birth centers in Ceará, Brazil. Thirteen nurses and obstetric care coordinators were interviewed between April and July 2020. The thematic categories were organized in Nvivo 12 Pro® software and discussed using the theoretical-philosophical framework of the Sociology of Professions. Results: care practices, such as comfort massages, are carried out in conjunction with elements of work management, such as the sizing of the nursing team. It emerged that there are important skills for acting as autonomy and leadership of the nursing team, but elements such as fragile trust and interaction limit the full development of activities. Final considerations: there are challenges for management and care in normal birth centers, such as consolidating autonomy and building trust with the health team.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender los desafíos para la gestión del trabajo y la atención en los centros de parto normal por parte de las enfermeras obstétricas. Método: estudio cualitativo realizado en centros de parto normal de Ceará, Brasil. Un total de 13 enfermeros y coordinadores de atención obstétrica participaron en entrevistas de abril a julio de 2020. Las categorías temáticas se organizaron en el Software Nvivo 12 Pro ® y se discutieron con el marco teórico-filosófico de la Sociología de las Profesiones. Resultados: las prácticas de cuidado, como los masajes de confort, se realizan asociadas a elementos de la gestión del trabajo, como el dimensionamiento del equipo de enfermería. Se evidenció que existen habilidades importantes para actuar como autonomía y liderazgo del equipo de enfermería, pero elementos como la confianza frágil y la interacción limitan el desarrollo pleno de las actividades. Consideraciones finales: existen desafíos para el manejo y la atención en los centros de parto normales, como la consolidación de la autonomía y la construcción de confianza con el equipo de salud.

Midwifery Practice Leaders' Experiences of Practice Changes Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Exploration.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic generated considerable upheaval in all sectors of the US health care system, including maternity care. We focused this inquiry on midwifery practice leaders' experiences and perspectives on changes that occurred in their practices early in the pandemic. METHODS: This was a qualitative descriptive study using thematic analysis. The data were responses to an open-ended question in a survey of pandemic-related employment and clinical practice changes. Findings are presented from a constructivist perspective, describing the experiences and perspectives of a group of US midwifery practice leaders during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged from the analysis: demands on midwives and driving forces. Demands on midwives were 3-fold: clients' needs, modification of care, and midwives' needs. These encompassed the psychological, physical, and emotional toll that caring for women during the pandemic placed on midwives. Driving forces were those entities that spurred and directed change and included regulations, institutions, financial logistics, and team dynamics. Survey respondents in community (home and birth center) practices reported substantial increases in inquiries and client volume, and many respondents expressed concern about withdrawal of students from clinical placements. DISCUSSION: Midwifery practices experienced profound changes in their work environments during the COVID-19 pandemic, with both positive and negative characteristics. These challenges in providing birth care were similar to those reported in other countries. Results indicated existing guidance for maternity care during emergencies did not meet clients' needs. Coordinated planning for maternity care in future prolonged health emergencies should incorporate best practices and include midwives in the process.

Race, ethnicity, and indications for primary cesarean birth: Associations within a national birth center registry.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic disparities in cesarean rates in the United States are well documented. This study investigated whether cesarean inequities persist in midwife-led birth center care, including for individuals with the lowest medical risk. METHODS: National registry records of 174,230 childbearing people enrolled in care in 115 midwifery-led birth center practices between 2007 and 2022 were analyzed for primary cesarean rates and indications by race and ethnicity. The lowest medical risk subsample (n = 70,521) was analyzed for independent drivers of cesarean birth. RESULTS: Primary cesarean rates among nulliparas (15.5%) and multiparas (5.7%) were low for all enrollees. Among nulliparas in the lowest-risk subsample, non-Latinx Black (aOR = 1.37; 95% CI, 1.15-1.63), Latinx (aOR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.32-1.73), and Asian participants (aOR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.19-1.85) remained at higher risk for primary cesarean than White participants. Among multiparas, only Black participants experienced a higher primary cesarean risk (aOR = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.02-2.18). Intrapartum transfers from birth centers were equivalent or lower for Black (14.0%, p = 0.345) and Latinx (12.7%, p < 0.001) enrollees. Black participants experienced a higher proportion of primary cesareans attributed to non-reassuring fetal status, regardless of risk factors. Place of admission was a stronger predictor of primary cesarean than race or ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Place of first admission in labor was the strongest predictor of cesarean. Racism as a chronic stressor and a determinant of clinical decision-making reduces choice in birth settings and may increase cesarean rates. Research on components of birth settings that drive inequitable outcomes is warranted.

Women's perspectives on disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth in Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Disrespect and abuse violates women's basic human rights and autonomy and can traumatize women who are already in a vulnerable position during childbirth and deter them from utilizing skilled care for future childbirth. This study explored women's perspectives on the acceptability of disrespect and abuse during facility-based childbirth in Ethiopia. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design using five focus group discussions and fifteen in-depth, semi-structured, interviews was conducted with women between October 2019 to January 2020 in north Showa zone of Oromia region, central Ethiopia. Using purposive sampling, women who had given birth at public health facilities of North Showa zone during the twelve months preceding data collection were recruited, regardless of birth outcome. Inductive thematic analysis using Open Code software was used to explore the perspectives of participants. RESULTS: While women reject disrespectful and abusive acts during childbirth generally, they may consider some disrespectful acts as acceptable and or necessary under certain circumstances. Four emerging themes were identified. (1) Disrespect and abuse is not acceptable, (2) Disrespectful and abusive actions are acceptable only if intended to save lives, (3) Disrespectful and abusive actions are an accepted part of everyday practice to prevent complications and adverse outcomes, (4) Disrespectful and abusive actions are necessary to discipline disobedient women. CONCLUSION: Women's perceptions of disrespectful and abusive acts of care providers is deeply rooted within the context of violence in Ethiopia and the societal hierarchies that have systematically disempowered women. Given the pervasiveness of disrespect and abusive actions during childbirth, policymakers, clinical managers and care providers must take these essential contextual and societal norms into account and devise comprehensive clinical interventions that addresses the root causes.

Improving access to HIV testing for pregnant women in community birth centres in Nigeria: an evaluation of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission program.

Background: The elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission requires access to HIV testing services (HTS) for pregnant women. In Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, 76% of pregnant women receive antenatal care from traditional birth attendants and may not have access to HIV testing. Objectives: This study examines the contribution of traditional birth attendants and other healthcare workers in community birth centres in improving access to HTS among pregnant women and their HIV-exposed infants. Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study of previously collected programme data at two points in time to evaluate the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme. Methods: We assessed programme records before and after introducing an intervention that engaged traditional birth attendants and other healthcare workers in community birth centres to expand access to HTS among pregnant women and their HIV-exposed infants in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were abstracted from the programme database for the preintervention period (April 2019 to September 2020) and the intervention period (October 2020 to March 2022). Data abstracted include the number of pregnant women tested for HIV, those diagnosed with HIV, the number of HIV-exposed infants who had samples collected for early infant diagnosis and those diagnosed with HIV. The data were analysed descriptively and inferentially. Results: Before the intervention, 39,305 pregnant women and 2248 HIV-exposed infants were tested for HIV. After the intervention, the number of pregnant women tested increased to 127,005 and the number of HIV-exposed infants tested increased to 2490. Among pregnant women, the postintervention testing increased by 3.2-fold, with community birth centres reporting 63% of all tests. The intervention also resulted in an 11% increase in HIV-exposed infants benefitting from early infant diagnosis with community birth centres reporting 5% of all tests. Of those diagnosed with HIV, 24% of pregnant women and 12% of infants were diagnosed at community birth centres. Conclusion: Community-based HIV testing for pregnant women can reduce mother-to-child transmission and improve early diagnosis and treatment of exposed infants. Collaboration with birth attendants is crucial to ensure testing opportunities are not missed. Prospective research is needed to understand the clinical outcomes of intervention programmes in the community.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 8. Impact on women's empowerment.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous Maya women in the rural highlands of Guatemala have traditionally faced constraints to decision-making and participation in community affairs. Anecdotal experiences from previous Curamericas Global projects in Guatemala and Liberia have suggested that interventions using the CBIO+ Approach (which consists of implementing together the Census-Based, Impact-Oriented Approach, the Care Group Approach, and Community Birthing Centers), can be empowering and can facilitate improvements in maternal and child health. This paper, the eighth in a series of 10 papers examining the effectiveness of CBIO+ in improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in an isolated mountainous rural area of the Department of Huehuetenango, explores changes in women's empowerment among mothers of young children associated with the Curamericas/Guatemala Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011-2015. METHODS: Knowledge, practice, and coverage (KPC) surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to explore six indicators of women's empowerment focusing on participation in health-related decision-making and participation in community meetings. KPC surveys were conducted at baseline (January 2012) and endline (June 2015) using standard stratified cluster sampling. Seventeen FGDs (9 with women, 3 with men, 2 with mothers-in-law, and 3 with health committees), approximately 120 people in all, were conducted to obtain opinions about changes in empowerment and to identify and assess qualitative factors that facilitate and/or impede women's empowerment. RESULTS: The KPC surveys revealed statistically significant increases in women's active participation in community meetings. Women also reported statistically significant increases in rates of participation in health-related decision-making. Further, the findings show a dose-response effect for two of the six empowerment indicators. The qualitative findings from FGDs show that the Project accelerated progress in increasing women's empowerment though women still face major barriers in accessing needed health care services for themselves and their children. CONCLUSION: The Project achieved some notable improvements in women's decision-making autonomy and participation in community activities. These improvements often translated into making decisions to practice recommended health behaviors. Traditional cultural norms and the barriers to accessing needed health services are not easily overcome, even when empowerment strategies are effective.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 9. Key stakeholder perspectives on strengthening the CBIO+ Approach.

BACKGROUND: Community-based health interventions have been an integral part of recent health gains globally. An innovative approach to delivering community health care combines the Census-Based, Impact-Oriented (CBIO) Approach with Care Groups and Community Birthing Centers called Casas Maternas Rurales. CBIO+ was adopted by Curamericas/Guatemala in its Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011-2015. Here, we describe the opinions of Project staff and local government health care workers about the strengths and challenges of CBIO+.  METHODS: Self-administered questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were used to obtain the views of 21 staff members from Curamericas/Guatemala as well as 15 local government health workers. The evaluation focused on four primary areas: (1) advisability of integrating the CBIO+ Approach into the government's rural health system, (2) staff knowledge of the CBIO+ Approach, (3) advantages, disadvantages and challenges of the CBIO+ Approach, and (4) proposed improvements to the CBIO+ Approach. The data were coded into categories and from these categories themes were derived. RESULTS: The most commonly mentioned advantage of CBIO+ was the inclusion of the community in program planning, which improved participation. Many respondents noted that the CBIO+ Approach was challenging to implement in communities with internal conflicts. Among other challenges mentioned were coordinating (both among the Project staff and with others in the communities), maintenance of a high level of community participation, and overcoming opposition of men to women's participation in Care Groups. The staff mentioned a number of possible changes, including increasing male involvement, raising salaries for community-level paid staff, providing volunteers with incentives, and improving coordination both internally and externally. There was a strong demand among the local Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare staff for the Project to continue. CONCLUSION: The CBIO+ Approach and its implementation by Curamericas/Guatemala was overall embraced by local staff. By eliciting feedback while the project was ongoing, actionable areas for improvement were identified.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ approach of Curamericas: 2. Study site, design, and methods.

BACKGROUND: The Curamericas/Guatemala Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011-2015, included implementation research designed to assess the effectiveness of an approach referred to as CBIO+ , composed of: (1) the Census-Based, Impact-Oriented (CBIO) Approach, (2) the Care Group Approach, and (3) the Community Birthing Center Approach. This is the second paper in a supplement of 10 articles describing the implementation research and its findings. Paper 1 describes CBIO+ , the Project Area, and how the Project was implemented. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the implementation research design and details of how it was carried out. METHODS: We reviewed the original implementation research protocol and the methods used for all data collection related to this Project. The protocol and methods used for the implementation research related to this Project were all standard approaches to the monitoring and evaluation of child survival projects as developed by the United States Agency for International Development Child Survival and Health Grants Program (CSHGP) and the CORE Group. They underwent independent peer review supervised by the CSHGP before the implementation research began. RESULTS: The study area was divided into two sets of communities with a total population of 98,000 people. Project interventions were implemented in Area A from 2011 until the end of the project in 2015 (44 months) and in Area B from late 2013 until 2015 (20 months). Thus, Area B served as a quasi-comparison area during the first two years of Project implementation. The overarching study question was whether the CBIO+ Approach improved the health and well-being of children and mothers. The outcome indicators included (1) changes in population coverage of evidence-based interventions, (2) changes in childhood nutritional status, (3) changes in the mortality of children and mothers, (4) quality of care provided at Community Birthing Centers, (5) the impact of the Project on women's empowerment and social capital, (6) stakeholder assessment of the effectiveness of the CBIO+ Approach, and (7) the potential of wider adoption of the CBIO+ Approach. CONCLUSION: The implementation research protocol guided the assessment of the effectiveness of the CBIO+ Approach in improving the health and well-being of children, mothers, and their communities.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 4. Nutrition-related activities and changes in childhood stunting, wasting, and underweight.

BACKGROUND: This is the fourth paper in our supplement on improving the health and well-being of rural indigenous Maya mothers and children in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, where the prevalence of stunting is the highest in Latin America and among the highest in the world. Reducing childhood undernutrition was one of the objectives of the Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011-2015, implemented by Curamericas/Guatemala. The implementation research portion of the Project attempted to determine if there were greater improvements in childhood nutritional status in the Project Area than in comparison areas and whether or not a dose-response effect was present in terms of a greater improvement in the Project Area with a longer duration of interventions.  METHODS: The Project provided nutrition-related messages to mothers of young children, cooking sessions using locally available nutritious foods, a lipid-based nutrient supplement (Nutributter®) for a short period of time (4 months), anti-helminthic medication, and repeated growth monitoring and nutrition counseling. Measures of height and weight for calculating the prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting in under-2 children were analyzed and compared with the anthropometric data for children in the rural areas of the Northwestern Region and in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. RESULTS: The prevalence of stunting declined in Area A from 74.5% in September 2012 to 39.5% in June 2015. Area A comprised approximately one-half of the Project Area and was the geographic area with the greatest intensity and duration of nutrition-related Project interventions. Minimal improvements in stunting were observed in the Northwestern Region, which served as a comparison area. Improvements in multiple output and outcome indicators associated with nutritional status were also observed in Areas A and B: infant and young child feeding practices, routine growth monitoring and counseling, and household practices for the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. CONCLUSION: The Project Area in which Curamericas/Guatemala implemented the CBIO+ Approach experienced a reduction in the prevalence of stunting and other measures of undernutrition in under-2 children. Given the burden of undernutrition in Guatemala and other parts of the world, this approach merits broader application and further evaluation.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 5. Mortality assessment.

BACKGROUND: The Curamericas/Guatemala Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011-2015, implemented the Census-Based, Impact-Oriented Approach, the Care Group Approach, and the Community Birthing Center Approach. Together, this expanded set of approaches is known as CBIO+. This is the fifth of 10 papers in our supplement describing the Project and the effectiveness of the CBIO+ Approach. This paper assesses causes, levels, and risk factors for mortality along with changes in mortality. METHODS: The Project maintained Vital Events Registers and conducted verbal autopsies for all deaths of women of reproductive age and under-5 children. Mortality rates and causes of death were derived from these data. To increase the robustness of our findings, we also indirectly estimated mortality decline using the Lives Saved Tool (LiST). FINDINGS: The leading causes of maternal and under-5 mortality were postpartum hemorrhage and pneumonia, respectively. Home births were associated with an eight-fold increased risk of both maternal (p = 0.01) and neonatal (p = 0.00) mortality. The analysis of vital events data indicated that maternal mortality declined from 632 deaths per 100,000 live births in Years 1 and 2 to 257 deaths per 100,000 live birth in Years 3 and 4, a decline of 59.1%. The vital events data revealed no observable decline in neonatal or under-5 mortality. However, the 12-59-month mortality rate declined from 9 deaths per 1000 live births in the first three years of the Project to 2 deaths per 1000 live births in the final year. The LiST model estimated a net decline of 12, 5, and 22% for maternal, neonatal and under-5 mortality, respectively. CONCLUSION: The baseline maternal mortality ratio is one of the highest in the Western hemisphere. There is strong evidence of a decline in maternal mortality in the Project Area. The evidence of a decline in neonatal and under-5 mortality is less robust. Childhood pneumonia and neonatal conditions were the leading causes of under-5 mortality. Expanding access to evidence-based community-based interventions for (1) prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, (2) home-based neonatal care, and (3) management of childhood pneumonia could help further reduce mortality in the Project Area and in similar areas of Guatemala and beyond.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 3. Expansion of population coverage of key interventions.

BACKGROUND: This is the third in a series of 10 articles describing the Curamericas/Guatemala Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011-2015, and its effectiveness in improving the health and well-being of 15,327 children younger than 5 years of age and 32,330 women of reproductive age in the Department of Huehuetenango in180 communities that make up the municipalities of San Sebastian Coatán, Santa Eulalia, and San Miguel Acatán. The Project combined the Census-Based, Impact-Oriented (CBIO) Approach with the Care Group Approach and the  Community Birthing Center (Casa Materna Rural) Approach. This combined approach we refer to as CBIO+. The Project trained women volunteers every two weeks (in Care Groups) to provide health education to neighboring households. Messages focused on the promotion of maternal and newborn health, nutrition, prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infection and diarrhea in children, and immunizations. METHODS: Household knowledge, practice and coverage (KPC) surveys were executed at baseline in January 2011 and at endline in June 2015 to measure changes in levels of knowledge of danger signs, key household practices (such as Essential Newborn Care and handwashing), and health service utilization (such as antenatal care and care seeking for a child with signs of pneumonia) in two separate Project Areas (Area A with 41 months and Area B with 20 months of full intervention implementation). RESULTS: For the 24 indicators of the interventions under the Project's control, statistically significant improvements were observed for 21 in Area A and 19 in Area B. However, for some of the interventions that required support from the government's Extension of Coverage Program (immunization, family planning, and vitamin A administration) no improvements were noted because of the cessation of the program by the government after Project implementation began. In both Areas A and B one-half of the indicators improved by at least two-fold. CONCLUSION: This community-based Project has been effective in quickly achieving marked improvements in indicators for interventions that are important for the health of mothers and children. These achievements are notable in view of the challenging context in which the Project was implemented.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 10. Summary, cost effectiveness, and policy implications.

BACKGROUND: This is the final of 10 papers that describe the implementation of the Expanded Census-Based, Impact-Oriented Approach (CBIO+) by Curamericas/Guatemala in the Cuchumatanes mountains of the Department of Huehuetenango and its effectiveness in improving the health and well-being of women and children in a population of 98,000 in three municipalities. The CBIO+ Approach consists of three components: the CBIO (Census-Based, Impact-Oriented) Approach, the Care Group Approach, and the Community Birthing Center Approach. METHODS: Each of the preceding papers was summarized. An assessment was made regarding the degree to which the initial implementation research hypotheses were confirmed. The total field cost per capita for operation of the Project was calculated. An assessment of the cost-effectiveness of the Project was made based on the estimated impact of the Project, the number of lives saved, and the number of disability-adjusted life years averted. RESULTS: The Project attained a number of notable achievements in terms of expanding the coverage of key maternal and child health interventions, improving the nutritional status of children, reducing the mortality of children and mothers, providing quality care for mothers at the Community Birthing Centers (Casas Maternas Rurales) that integrate traditional midwives (comadronas) into the care of women during childbirth at the birthing centers, as well as empowering women and building social capital in the communities. CBIO+ is an effective and affordable approach that is particularly notable for its capacity to engage communities in the process of improving the health of mothers and children. Overall, there is strong and consistent evidence in support of the research hypotheses. The findings did produce evidence of declines in under-5 and maternal mortality, but they were not as robust as had been hoped. CONCLUSION: CBIO+ is an approach that has been effective in engaging communities in the process of improving the health of their mothers and children and in reducing health inequities in this marginalized, difficult-to-reach population of Indigenous Maya people. The CBIO+ Approach is cost-effective and merits further development and broader application in Guatemala and beyond.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 1. Introduction and project description.

BACKGROUND: The Curamericas/Guatemala Maternal and Child Health Project, 2011-2015, was implemented in the Western Highlands of the Department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala. The Project utilized three participatory approaches in tandem: the Census-Based, Impact-Oriented (CBIO) Approach, the Care Group Approach, and the Community Birthing Center Approach. Together, these are referred to as the Expanded CBIO Approach (or CBIO+). OBJECTIVE: This is the first article of a supplement that assesses the effectiveness of the Project's community-based service delivery platform that was integrated into the Guatemalan government's rural health care system and its special program for mothers and children called PEC (Programa de Extensión de Cobertura, or Extension of Coverage Program). METHODS: We review and summarize the CBIO+ Approach and its development. We also describe the Project Area, the structure and implementation of the Project, and its context. RESULTS: The CBIO+ Approach is the product of four decades of field work. The Project reached a population of 98,000 people, covering the entire municipalities of San Sebastián Coatán, Santa Eulalia, and San Miguel Acatán. After mapping all households in each community and registering all household members, the Project established 184 Care Groups, which were composed of 5-12 Care Group Volunteers who were each responsible for 10-15 households. Paid Care Group Promoters provided training in behavior change communication every two weeks to the Care Groups. Care Group Volunteers in turn passed this communication to the mothers in their assigned households and also reported back to the Care Group Promoters information about any births or ï»¿deaths that they learned of during the previous two weeks as a result of their regular contact with their neighbors. At the outset of the Project, there was one Birthing Center in the Project Area, serving a small group of communities nearby. Two additional Birthing Centers began functioning as the Project was operating. The Birthing Centers encouraged the participation of traditional midwives (called comadronas) in the Project Area. CONCLUSION: This article serves as an introduction to an assessment of the CBIO+ community-based, participatory approach as it was implemented by Curamericas/Guatemala in the Western Highlands of the Department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala. This article is the first of a series of articles in a supplement entitled Reducing Inequities in Maternal and Child Health in Rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 7. The empowering effect of Care Groups.

BACKGROUND: While there is extensive published evidence regarding the effectiveness of the Care Group Approach in promoting community-wide health behavior change, there is no published evidence regarding its empowering effect on its participants. Our study aimed to understand if the Care Group Approach as applied in the Curamericas/Guatemala Maternal and Child Health Project in isolated rural mountainous communities in Guatemala produced evidence of empowerment among the female participants. This is the seventh of 10 papers describing the expanded Census-Based, Impact-Oriented (CBIO+) Approach in improving the health and well-being of mothers and children in the rural highlands of the Department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured individual and group interviews with 96 female Care Group participants -including Level-1 Care Group Promoters, Care Group Volunteers, and Self-Help Group participants. The participants were from six communities - two from each of the three municipalities making up the Project Area. Data were analyzed both using deductive thematic and by exploring the following social constructs: perceived social status, self-efficacy, decision-making autonomy, and formation of social capital. RESULTS: The findings supported the hypothesis that Care Group participation was an empowering process. The primary themes that emerged included increased respect accorded to women in the community, women's willingness and ability to make decisions and their confidence in making those decisions, and the development of stronger bonds among Care Group members, with other community members, and with community leaders. CONCLUSION: Through increased theoretical and practical knowledge about important maternal and child health matters and through the social experience of obtaining this knowledge and sharing it with other community members, participation in the Care Group Approach empowered participants to make positive health behavior changes for themselves and for their children and families. This, in turn, led many participants to become more engaged in community activities for improved health and beyond, thereby enhancing social capital in the community. We conclude that the Care Group Approach, as applied in this setting, has made it possible for marginalized indigenous women living in a male-dominated society to become more empowered.

Reducing inequities in maternal and child health in rural Guatemala through the CBIO+ Approach of Curamericas: 6. Management of pregnancy complications at Community Birthing Centers (Casas Maternas Rurales).

BACKGROUND: In Guatemala, Indigenous women have a maternal mortality ratio over twice that of non-Indigenous women. Long-standing marginalization of Indigenous groups and three decades of civil war have resulted in persistent linguistic, economic, cultural, and physical barriers to maternity care. Curamericas/Guatemala facilitated the development of three community-built, -owned, and -operated birthing centers, Casas Maternas Rurales (referred to here as Community Birthing Centers), where auxiliary nurses provided physically accessible and culturally acceptable clinical care. The objective of this paper is to assess the management of complications and the decision-making pathways of Birthing Center staff for complication management and referral. This is the sixth paper in the series of 10 articles. Birthing centers are part of the Expanded Census-based, Impact-oriented Approach, referred to as CBIO+. METHODS: We undertook an explanatory, mixed-methods study on the handling of pregnancy complications at the Birthing Centers, including a chart review of pregnancy complications encountered among 1,378 women coming to a Birthing Center between 2009 and 2016 and inductively coded interviews with Birthing Center staff. RESULTS: During the study period, 1378 women presented to a Birthing Center for delivery-related care. Of the 211 peripartum complications encountered, 42.2% were successfully resolved at a Birthing Center and 57.8% were referred to higher-level care. Only one maternal death occurred, yielding a maternal mortality ratio of 72.6 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The qualitative study found that staff attribute their successful management of complications to frequent, high-quality trainings, task-shifting, a network of consultative support, and a collaborative atmosphere. CONCLUSION: The Birthing Centers were able to resolve almost one-half of the peripartum complications and to promptly refer almost all of the others to a higher level of care, resulting in a maternal mortality ratio less than half that for all Indigenous Guatemalan women. This is the first study we are aware of that analyzes the management of obstetrical complications in such a setting. Barriers to providing high-quality maternity care, including obtaining care for complications, need to be addressed to ensure that all pregnant women in such settings have access to a level of care that is their fundamental human right.

Outcomes for women admitted for labour care to alongside midwifery units in the UK following a postpartum haemorrhage in a previous pregnancy: A national population-based cohort and nested case-control study using the UK Midwifery Study System (UKMidSS).

BACKGROUND: Women who have experienced a postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) 'requiring treatment or transfusion' are typically advised to plan birth in obstetric-led settings in subsequent pregnancies. Many UK alongside midwifery units (AMU) admit women for labour care following a previous PPH. We aimed to describe outcomes in women admitted for labour care to AMUs following a previous PPH, compare outcomes with other multiparous women admitted to the same AMUs, and explore risk factors for recurrence. METHODS: A national cohort and nested case-control study using the UK Midwifery Study System (UKMidSS), between August 2018 and April 2019. Multivariable Poisson regression and logistic regression were performed to compare outcomes and investigate risk factors for recurrence. FINDINGS: Women who experienced a previous PPH were significantly more likely than comparison women to: have a PPH requiring transfer to obstetric care (4·2% vs. 2·4%, aRR=1·65, 95% CI 1·14-2·38), be transferred to obstetric care for any reason (17·8% vs 11·9%; aRR=1·41; 95% CI 1·09-1·83), and have any PPH≥ 500 ml (22·7% vs 11·1%, aRR=1·86, 95% CI 1·49-2·32). Among women with a previous PPH, previous blood loss > 1500 ml; uterotonics for previous PPH; Caesarean associated with previous PPH; gestation at admission and higher birthweight were independent risk factors for PPH. CONCLUSION: Women considering birth in an AMU after a previous PPH should be advised that they are at increased risk of experiencing a subsequent PPH requiring transfer to obstetric care, compared with other multiparous women who have not had a PPH. The absolute risk of a subsequent PPH in this group is low and comparable to the overall risk of having a PPH among women having a spontaneous vaginal birth in England.

Boas práticas, intervenções e resultados: um estudo comparativo entre uma casa de parto e hospitais do Sistema Único de Saúde da Região Sudeste, Brasil / Good practices, interventions, and results: a comparative study between a birthing center and hospitals of the Brazilian Unified National Health System in the Southeastern Region, Brazil / Buenas prácticas, intervenciones y resultados: un estudio comparativo entre la clínica de parto y hospitales del Sistema Único de Salud en la región Sudeste, Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a assistência obstétrica em uma casa de parto e em hospitais do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) da Região Sudeste do Brasil, considerando boas práticas, intervenções e resultados maternos e perinatais. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com dados retrospectivos comparáveis, provenientes de dois estudos sobre parto e nascimento, e amostra de 1.515 puérperas de risco habitual de uma casa de parto e hospitais públicos da Região Sudeste. Utilizou-se ponderação pelo escore de propensão para equilibrar os grupos de acordo com as covariáveis idade, raça, paridade, integridade das membranas e dilatação do colo na internação, bem como regressões logísticas para estimar razões de chance (OR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) entre o local de parto e desfechos. Na casa de parto, quando comparada ao hospital, as puérperas tiveram maior chance de ter acompanhante (OR = 86,31; IC95%: 29,65-251,29), se alimentar ou tomar líquidos (OR = 862,38; IC95%: 120,20-6.187,33), se movimentar (OR = 7,56; IC95%: 4,65-12,31), usar métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor (OR = 27,82; IC95%: 17,05-45,40) e posição verticalizada (OR = 252,78; IC95%: 150,60-423,33) e menor chance de utilizar ocitocina (OR = 0,22; IC95%: 0,16-0,31), amniotomia (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,01-0,04), episiotomia (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,00-0,02) e manobra de Kristeller (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,00-0,02). Ademais, na casa de parto os recém-nascidos tiveram maior chance de aleitamento exclusivo (OR = 1,84; IC95%: 1,16-2,90) e menor chance de aspiração de vias aéreas (OR = 0,24; IC95%: 0,18-0,33) e gástrica (OR = 0,15; IC95%: 0,10-0,22). A casa de parto apresenta, assim, maior oferta de boas práticas e menos intervenções na assistência ao parto e nascimento, com segurança e cuidado, sem afetar os resultados.

This study aims to compare obstetric care in a birthing center and in hospitals of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) considering good practices, interventions, and maternal and perinatal results in the Southeast Region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with comparable retrospective data from two studies on labor and birth. A total of 1,515 puerperal women of usual risk of birthing centers and public hospitals in the Southeast region were included. Propensity score weighting was used to balance the groups according to the following covariates: age, skin-color, parity, membrane integrity, and cervix dilation at hospitalization. Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) between the place of birth and outcomes. In birthing centers, compared to hospitals, the puerperal woman had a higher chance of having a companion (OR = 86.31; 95%CI: 29.65-251.29), eating or drinking (OR = 862.38; 95%CI: 120.20-6,187.33), walking around (OR = 7.56; 95%CI: 4.65-12.31), using non-pharmacological methods for pain relief (OR = 27.82; 95%CI: 17.05-45.40), being in an upright position (OR = 252.78; 95%CI: 150.60-423.33), and a lower chance of using oxytocin (OR = 0.22; 95%CI: 0.16-0.31), amniotomy (OR = 0.01; 95%CI: 0.01-0.04), episiotomy (OR = 0.01; 95%CI: 0.00-0.02), and Kristeller maneuvers (OR = 0.01; 95%CI: 0.00-0.02). Also, in birthing centers the newborn had a higher chance of exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 1.84; 95%CI: 1.16-2.90) and a lower chance of airway (OR = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.18-0.33) and gastric aspiration (OR = 0.15; 95%: 0.10-0.22). Thus, birthing centers offers a greater supply of good practices and fewer interventions in childbirth and birth care, with more safety and care without influence on the outcomes.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la asistencia obstétrica entre una clínica de parto y hospitales del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) en la región Sudeste de Brasil, teniendo en cuenta las buenas prácticas, intervenciones y resultados maternos y perinatales. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal con datos retrospectivos comparables de dos estudios sobre trabajo de parto y nacimiento. La muestra se compuso de 1.515 puérperas con riesgo habitual en una clínica de parto y en hospitales públicos de la región Sudeste. Se utilizó la ponderación del puntaje de propensión para equilibrar los grupos según las siguientes covariables: edad, color de la piel, paridad, integridad de las membranas y dilatación cervical en la hospitalización. La regresión logística se utilizó para estimar la razón de posibilidades (OR), y se aplicó el intervalo del 95% de confianza (IC95%) entre el lugar de parto y desenlace. En la clínica de parto en comparación con el hospital, la puérpera tenía más posibilidades de tener un acompañante (OR = 86,31; IC95%: 29,65-251,29), comer o beber líquidos (OR = 862,38; IC95%: 120,20-6.187,33), moverse (OR = 7,56; IC95%: 4,65-12,31), utilizar métodos no farmacológicos para aliviar el dolor (OR = 27,82; IC95%: 17,05-45,40), posición erguida (OR = 252,78; IC95%: 150,60-423,33), y menor posibilidad de usar oxitocina (OR = 0,22; IC95%: 0,16-0,31), amniotomía (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,01-0,04), episiotomía (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,00-0,02) y maniobras de Kristeller (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,00-0,02). Los recién nacidos tenían más posibilidades de recibir una lactancia exclusiva (OR = 1,84; IC95%: 1,16-2,90) y menos posibilidades de tener aspiración de vía aérea (OR = 0,24; IC95%: 0,18-0,33) y gástrica (OR = 0,15; IC95%: 0,10-0,22). La clínica de parto cuenta con una mayor oferta de buenas prácticas y menos intervenciones en la asistencia al parto y nacimiento, con seguridad y cuidado, sin afectar los resultados.

Boas práticas, intervenções e resultados: um estudo comparativo entre uma casa de parto e hospitais do Sistema Único de Saúde da Região Sudeste, Brasil / Good practices, interventions, and results: a comparative study between a birthing center and hospitals of the Brazilian Unified National Health System in the Southeastern Region, Brazil / Buenas prácticas, intervenciones y resultados: un estudio comparativo entre la clínica de parto y hospitales del Sistema Único de Salud en la región Sudeste, Brasil

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a assistência obstétrica em uma casa de parto e em hospitais do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) da Região Sudeste do Brasil, considerando boas práticas, intervenções e resultados maternos e perinatais. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com dados retrospectivos comparáveis, provenientes de dois estudos sobre parto e nascimento, e amostra de 1.515 puérperas de risco habitual de uma casa de parto e hospitais públicos da Região Sudeste. Utilizou-se ponderação pelo escore de propensão para equilibrar os grupos de acordo com as covariáveis idade, raça, paridade, integridade das membranas e dilatação do colo na internação, bem como regressões logísticas para estimar razões de chance (OR) e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) entre o local de parto e desfechos. Na casa de parto, quando comparada ao hospital, as puérperas tiveram maior chance de ter acompanhante (OR = 86,31; IC95%: 29,65-251,29), se alimentar ou tomar líquidos (OR = 862,38; IC95%: 120,20-6.187,33), se movimentar (OR = 7,56; IC95%: 4,65-12,31), usar métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor (OR = 27,82; IC95%: 17,05-45,40) e posição verticalizada (OR = 252,78; IC95%: 150,60-423,33) e menor chance de utilizar ocitocina (OR = 0,22; IC95%: 0,16-0,31), amniotomia (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,01-0,04), episiotomia (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,00-0,02) e manobra de Kristeller (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,00-0,02). Ademais, na casa de parto os recém-nascidos tiveram maior chance de aleitamento exclusivo (OR = 1,84; IC95%: 1,16-2,90) e menor chance de aspiração de vias aéreas (OR = 0,24; IC95%: 0,18-0,33) e gástrica (OR = 0,15; IC95%: 0,10-0,22). A casa de parto apresenta, assim, maior oferta de boas práticas e menos intervenções na assistência ao parto e nascimento, com segurança e cuidado, sem afetar os resultados.

This study aims to compare obstetric care in a birthing center and in hospitals of the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) considering good practices, interventions, and maternal and perinatal results in the Southeast Region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with comparable retrospective data from two studies on labor and birth. A total of 1,515 puerperal women of usual risk of birthing centers and public hospitals in the Southeast region were included. Propensity score weighting was used to balance the groups according to the following covariates: age, skin-color, parity, membrane integrity, and cervix dilation at hospitalization. Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) between the place of birth and outcomes. In birthing centers, compared to hospitals, the puerperal woman had a higher chance of having a companion (OR = 86.31; 95%CI: 29.65-251.29), eating or drinking (OR = 862.38; 95%CI: 120.20-6,187.33), walking around (OR = 7.56; 95%CI: 4.65-12.31), using non-pharmacological methods for pain relief (OR = 27.82; 95%CI: 17.05-45.40), being in an upright position (OR = 252.78; 95%CI: 150.60-423.33), and a lower chance of using oxytocin (OR = 0.22; 95%CI: 0.16-0.31), amniotomy (OR = 0.01; 95%CI: 0.01-0.04), episiotomy (OR = 0.01; 95%CI: 0.00-0.02), and Kristeller maneuvers (OR = 0.01; 95%CI: 0.00-0.02). Also, in birthing centers the newborn had a higher chance of exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 1.84; 95%CI: 1.16-2.90) and a lower chance of airway (OR = 0.24; 95%CI: 0.18-0.33) and gastric aspiration (OR = 0.15; 95%: 0.10-0.22). Thus, birthing centers offers a greater supply of good practices and fewer interventions in childbirth and birth care, with more safety and care without influence on the outcomes.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la asistencia obstétrica entre una clínica de parto y hospitales del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) en la región Sudeste de Brasil, teniendo en cuenta las buenas prácticas, intervenciones y resultados maternos y perinatales. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal con datos retrospectivos comparables de dos estudios sobre trabajo de parto y nacimiento. La muestra se compuso de 1.515 puérperas con riesgo habitual en una clínica de parto y en hospitales públicos de la región Sudeste. Se utilizó la ponderación del puntaje de propensión para equilibrar los grupos según las siguientes covariables: edad, color de la piel, paridad, integridad de las membranas y dilatación cervical en la hospitalización. La regresión logística se utilizó para estimar la razón de posibilidades (OR), y se aplicó el intervalo del 95% de confianza (IC95%) entre el lugar de parto y desenlace. En la clínica de parto en comparación con el hospital, la puérpera tenía más posibilidades de tener un acompañante (OR = 86,31; IC95%: 29,65-251,29), comer o beber líquidos (OR = 862,38; IC95%: 120,20-6.187,33), moverse (OR = 7,56; IC95%: 4,65-12,31), utilizar métodos no farmacológicos para aliviar el dolor (OR = 27,82; IC95%: 17,05-45,40), posición erguida (OR = 252,78; IC95%: 150,60-423,33), y menor posibilidad de usar oxitocina (OR = 0,22; IC95%: 0,16-0,31), amniotomía (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,01-0,04), episiotomía (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,00-0,02) y maniobras de Kristeller (OR = 0,01; IC95%: 0,00-0,02). Los recién nacidos tenían más posibilidades de recibir una lactancia exclusiva (OR = 1,84; IC95%: 1,16-2,90) y menos posibilidades de tener aspiración de vía aérea (OR = 0,24; IC95%: 0,18-0,33) y gástrica (OR = 0,15; IC95%: 0,10-0,22). La clínica de parto cuenta con una mayor oferta de buenas prácticas y menos intervenciones en la asistencia al parto y nacimiento, con seguridad y cuidado, sin afectar los resultados.

Methods of induction and augmentation of labor in a freestanding birth center: a cross-sectional study / Métodos de inducción y manejo del parto en un centro de parto normal perihospitalario: estudio transversal / Métodos de indução e condução do parto em um centro de parto normal peri-hospitalar: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe and analyze the use of methods of induction and augmentation of labor in a freestanding birth center (FBC). Method: Cross-sectional study carried out at a FBC located in São Paulo (SP), with all women booked from 2011 to 2021 (n = 3,397). Results: The majority of women (61.3%) did not receive any method. The methods were used alone or in combination (traditional Chinese medicine, massage, castor oil, stimulating tea, amniotomy, and oxytocin). Traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture, acupressure, and moxa) was the most used method (14.7%) and oxytocin was the least frequent (5.1%). The longer the water breaking time, the greater the number of methods used (p < 0.001). Amniotomy was associated with maternal transfers (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Induction and augmentation of labor were strictly adopted. The use of natural or non-pharmacological methods prevailed. Robust clinical studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods of stimulation of childbirth, in addition to strategies for their implementation in other childbirth care services, to really prove the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods in the parturition process, that is, in labor and birth.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir y analizar el uso de métodos de inducción y manejo del parto en un centro de parto normal perihospitalario (CPNp). Método: Estudio transversal realizado en un CPNp ubicado en São Paulo (SP), con todas las mujeres atendidas entre 2011 y 2021 (n = 3.397). Resultados: La mayoría de las mujeres (61,3%) no recibió ningún método. Los métodos se utilizaron solos o en combinación (medicina tradicional china, masajes, aceite de ricino, té estimulante, amniotomía y oxitocina). La medicina tradicional china (acupuntura, acupresión y moxa) fue el método más utilizado (14,7%) y la oxitocina el menos frecuente (5,1%). Cuanto mayor es el tiempo de rotura de la bolsa, mayor es el número de métodos utilizados (p < 0,001). La amniotomía se asoció con transferencias maternas (p < 0,001). Conclusión: La inducción y manejo del parto se adoptaron de forma restringida. Predominó el uso de métodos naturales o no farmacológicos. Se necesitan estudios clínicos sólidos para demostrar la eficacia de los métodos no farmacológicos de estimulación del parto, además de estrategias para su implementación en otros servicios de atención al parto, para comprobar realmente la efectividad de los métodos no farmacológicos en el proceso del parto, es decir: en el trabajo de parto y el nacimiento.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever e analisar o uso de métodos de indução e condução do parto em centro de parto normal peri-hospitalar (CPNp). Método: Estudo transversal realizado em um CPNp localizado em São Paulo (SP), com a totalidade das mulheres atendidas de 2011 a 2021 (n = 3.397). Resultados: A maioria das mulheres (61,3%) não recebeu qualquer método. Os métodos foram utilizados isoladamente ou de forma combinada (medicina tradicional chinesa, massagem, óleo de rícino, chá estimulante, amniotomia e ocitocina). A medicina tradicional chinesa (acupuntura, acupressão e moxa) foi o método mais usado (14,7%) e a ocitocina foi o menos frequente (5,1%). Quanto maior o tempo de bolsa rota, maior o número de métodos utilizados (p < 0,001). A amniotomia esteve associada às transferências maternas (p < 0,001). Conclusão: A indução e condução do parto foram adotadas de forma restrita. Prevaleceu o uso dos métodos naturais ou não-farmacológicos. São necessários estudos clínicos robustos para comprovar a eficácia dos métodos não farmacológicos de estímulo do parto, além de estratégias para sua implementação em outros serviços de assistência ao parto, para realmente comprovar a eficácia de métodos não farmacológicos no processo de parturição, isto é: no trabalho de parto e nascimento.