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Health Education about Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors in Gynecological and Obstetric Care: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers’ Views in Germany

Author

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  • Manuela Bombana

    (Department of General Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
    Department of Prevention, AOK Baden-Württemberg, Presselstrasse 19, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany)

  • Michel Wensing

    (Department of General Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Lisa Wittenborn

    (Department of General Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

  • Charlotte Ullrich

    (Department of General Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany)

Abstract

Objective: Lifestyle-related risk factors (LRRFs) during pregnancy and lactation are associated with a range of health problems. However, previous studies have shown a large knowledge gap among pregnant women regarding the effects of LRRFs. This study aimed to investigate the role of health education about LRRFs during pregnancy and lactation in gynecological and obstetric care from healthcare providers’ (HCPs) point of view. Methods: To explore the views of healthcare providers, a qualitative study was performed. In 2019, 22 in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 9 gynecologists and 13 midwives. Participants came from different inpatient and outpatient care settings and from rural, urban, and socially deprived areas in southern Germany. All the interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A combined inductive and deductive approach was applied for data analysis. Results: Interviews with HCPs showed that they were aware of the possible impacts of LRRFs during pregnancy and lactation. They noted the importance of action, specifically among women with low socioeconomic status (SES), migrants, and women with a concerning medical history or other specific needs. However, the interviews showed that, at present, there is no standardized practice of educating patients on LRRFs in routine care. This was attributed to a lack of guidelines and time, unfavorable regulations, and undefined responsibilities. The priority of health education is lower in inpatient healthcare settings as compared to outpatient healthcare settings. HCPs apply a demand-driven healthcare approach, focusing on a woman’s medical history, needs, and personal circumstances. HCPs voiced the importance of implementing pre-conception education across different healthcare settings, garnering support from other health organizations, and setting out clearly defined responsibilities among HCPs. Conclusions: This qualitative study explored HCPs’ perspectives on health education about LRRFs during pregnancy and lactation. The results from this study emphasize the need for a central strategy for health education about LRRFs during pregnancy and lactation in gynecological and obstetric care.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuela Bombana & Michel Wensing & Lisa Wittenborn & Charlotte Ullrich, 2022. "Health Education about Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors in Gynecological and Obstetric Care: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Providers’ Views in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11674-:d:916556
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Windsor, R.A. & Lowe, J.B. & Perkins, L.L. & Smith-Yoder, D. & Artz, L. & Crawford, M. & Amburgy, K. & Boyd Jr., N.R., 1993. "Health education for pregnant smokers: Its behavioral impact and cost benefit," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 83(2), pages 201-206.
    3. Alex Filby & Fran McConville & Anayda Portela, 2016. "What Prevents Quality Midwifery Care? A Systematic Mapping of Barriers in Low and Middle Income Countries from the Provider Perspective," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(5), pages 1-20, May.
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    5. Anja Oechsle & Michel Wensing & Charlotte Ullrich & Manuela Bombana, 2020. "Health Knowledge of Lifestyle-Related Risks during Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study of Pregnant Women in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-18, November.
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