Uncovering the Complexity of Perinatal Polysubstance Use Disclosure Patterns on X: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, polysubstance use among pregnant women is prevalent, with 38.2% of those who consume alcohol also engaging in the use of one or more additional substances. However, the underlying mechanisms, contexts, and experiences of polysubstance use are unclear. Organic information is abundant on social media such as X (formerly Twitter). Traditional quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as natural language processing techniques, can be jointly used to derive insights into public opinions, sentiments, and clinical and public health policy implications. OBJECTIVE: Based on perinatal polysubstance use (PPU) data that we extracted on X from May 1, 2019, to October 31, 2021, we proposed two primary research questions: (1) What is the overall trend and sentiment of PPU discussions on X? (2) Are there any distinct patterns in the discussion trends of PPU-related tweets? If so, what are the implications for perinatal care and associated public health policies? METHODS: We used X's application programming interface to extract >6 million raw tweets worldwide containing ≥2 prenatal health- and substance-related keywords provided by our clinical team. After removing all non-English-language tweets, non-US tweets, and US tweets without disclosed geolocations, we obtained 4848 PPU-related US tweets. We then evaluated them using a mixed methods approach. The quantitative analysis applied frequency, trend analysis, and several natural language processing techniques such as sentiment analysis to derive statistics to preview the corpus. To further understand semantics and clinical insights among these tweets, we conducted an in-depth thematic content analysis with a random sample of 500 PPU-related tweets with a satisfying κ score of 0.7748 for intercoder reliability. RESULTS: Our quantitative analysis indicates the overall trends, bigram and trigram patterns, and negative sentiments were more dominant in PPU tweets (2490/4848, 51.36%) than in the non-PPU sample (1323/4848, 27.29%). Paired polysubstance use (4134/4848, 85.27%) was the most common, with the combination alcohol and drugs identified as the most mentioned. From the qualitative analysis, we identified 3 main themes: nonsubstance, single substance, and polysubstance, and 4 subthemes to contextualize the rationale of underlying PPU behaviors: lifestyle, perceptions of others' drug use, legal implications, and public health. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified underexplored, emerging, and important topics related to perinatal PPU, with significant stigmas and legal ramifications discussed on X. Overall, public sentiments on PPU were mixed, encompassing negative (2490/4848, 51.36%), positive (1884/4848, 38.86%), and neutral (474/4848, 9.78%) sentiments. The leading substances in PPU were alcohol and drugs, and the normalization of PPU discussed on X is becoming more prevalent. Thus, this study provides valuable insights to further understand the complexity of PPU and its implications for public health practitioners and policy makers to provide proper access and support to individuals with PPU.

Maternal birthplace and experiences of perinatal healthcare in Belgium: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Patient experience is an important part of perinatal care quality. Migrant women in high-income countries often report more negative experiences than non-migrants, but evidence in Europe is patchy. In this study, we compared the experiences of two migrant populations with non-migrants, taking into account socioeconomic characteristics. METHODS: We surveyed mothers born in Belgium, North-Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa (n = 877) using an adapted version of the Migrant-Friendly Maternity Care Questionnaire. Two patient experience scores were created using multiple correspondence analyses: a) information and communication with healthcare professionals and overall satisfaction with pregnancy care, and b) patient-centred aspects and satisfaction with delivery care. Through descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regressions we estimated the associations of maternal characteristics with each score. RESULTS: Overall, positive experiences were reported in terms of communication (83 %) and patient-centred care (86 %). North African immigrants with low language proficiency had higher odds of negative communication experience (especially problems understanding information) (ORa: 2.30, 95 %CI 1.17-4.50), regardless of socioeconomic position. Among women with language barriers, 88 % were never offered a professional interpreter, relying on family members for translation. Patient-centred care was not associated with maternal birth region but was rated more negatively by older mothers, those with longer residence in Belgium, and higher majority-language proficiency. CONCLUSION: In Belgium, perinatal care experiences were generally positive, although communication with immigrants was suboptimal. Language barriers, single motherhood, and unstable housing increased communication issues. Our findings underline the necessity to improve information-exchange with immigrants and socioeconomically vulnerable women.

Prevalence of Community Perinatal Psychiatrists in the US.

This cross-sectional study identifies and quantifies state-level shortages in community-based perinatal psychiatry care in the US.

Perinatal mental health service use in a representative sample of US women.

PROBLEM/BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are prevalent during the perinatal period and mental health service use is lower among perinatal women compared to the general population. AIM: This study examined the prevalence and variables associated with mental health service use (MHSU) among pregnant and postpartum women with a past-year mental disorder. METHODS: We analyzed nationally representative data from the 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (N = 36,309). Our study sample included all women aged 18 - 55 with a past year mental disorder (n = 6,295). Semi-structured interviews assessed past-year DSM-5 mental disorders, which were categorized into four groups: depressive/bipolar, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use. Logistic regressions examined rates and variables associated with MHSU across perinatal status, adjusting for key sociodemographic characteristics. FINDINGS: Compared to non-perinatal women 18-55 with a past-year mental disorder (38.5 %), postpartum women had reduced odds of MHSU (23.6 %; AOR = 0.56, p < 0.05), and pregnant women also sought services less than non-perinatal women (32.6 %; AOR = 0.89 p > 0.05). All groups had increased odds of MHSU when individuals had a greater number of mental disorders (AORs = 1.78 - 2.75, p = 0.01 and p < 0.001). Physical health conditions were also associated with increased odds of MHSU among all groups, except postpartum women (AORs = 1.26 - 1.62, p = 0.05, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Results highlight that over 60 % of perinatal women with mental disorders do not receive mental health services. This emphasizes the importance of mental health screening for perinatal women, particularly in the postpartum period.

Spatial Access to Continuous Maternal and Perinatal Health Care Services in Low-Resource Settings: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal and perinatal health are fundamental to human development. However, in low-resource settings such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), significant challenges persist in reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality. To achieve the targets of the sustainable development goal 3 (SDG3) and universal health coverage (UHC), improving access to continuous maternal and perinatal health care services (CMPHS) has been addressed as a critical strategy. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide a widely applicable procedure to illuminate the current challenges in ensuring access to CMPHS for women of reproductive age. The findings are intended to inform targeted recommendations for prioritizing resource allocation and policy making in low-resource settings. METHODS: In accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines and existing literature, and taking into account the local context of CMPHS delivery to women of reproductive age in Mozambique, we first proposed the identification of CMPHS as the continuum of 3 independent service packages, namely antenatal care (ANC), institutional delivery (ID), and postnatal care (PNC). Then, we used the nearest-neighbor method (NNM) to assess spatial access to each of the 3 service packages. Lastly, we carried out an overlap analysis to identify 8 types of resource-shortage zones. RESULTS: The median shortest travel times for women of reproductive age to access ANC, ID, and PNC were 2.38 (IQR 1.38-3.89) hours, 3.69 (IQR 1.87-5.82) hours, and 4.16 (IQR 2.48-6.67) hours, respectively. Spatial barriers for women of reproductive age accessing ANC, ID, and PNC demonstrated large variations both among and within regions. Maputo City showed the shortest travel time and the best equity within the regions (0.46, IQR 0.26-0.69 hours; 0.74, IQR 0.47-1.04 hours; and 1.34, IQR 0.83-1.85 hours, respectively), while the provinces of Niassa (4.07, IQR 2.41-6.63 hours; 18.20, IQR 11.67-24.65 hours; and 7.69, IQR 4.74-13.05 hours, respectively) and Inhambane (2.69, IQR 1.49-3.91 hours; 4.43, IQR 2.37-7.16 hours; and 10.76, IQR 7.73-13.66 hours, respectively) lagged behind significantly in both aspects. In general, more than 51% of the women of reproductive age, residing in 83.25% of Mozambique's land area, were unable to access any service package of CMPHS in time (within 2 hours), while only about 21%, living in 2.69% of Mozambique's land area, including Maputo, could access timely CMPHS. CONCLUSIONS: The spatial accessibility and equity of CMPHS in Mozambique present significant challenges in achieving SDG3 and UHC, especially in the Inhambane and Niassa regions. For Inhambane, policy makers should prioritize the implementation of a decentralization allocation strategy to increase coverage and equity through upgrading existing health care facilities. For Niassa, the cultivation of well-trained midwives who can provide door-to-door ANC and PNC at home should be prioritized, with an emphasis on strengthening communities' engagement. The proposed 2-step procedure should be implemented in other low-resource settings to promote the achievement of SDG3.

Perinatal care among Hispanic birthing people: Differences by primary language and state policy environment.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to examine maternal care among Hispanic birthing people by primary language and state policy environment. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING: Pooled data from 2016 to 2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System surveys from 44 states and two jurisdictions. STUDY DESIGN: Using multivariable logistic regression, we calculated adjusted predicted probabilities of maternal care utilization (visit attendance, timeliness, adequacy) and quality (receipt of guideline-recommended care components). We examined outcomes by primary language (Spanish, English) and two binary measures of state policy environment: (1) expanded Medicaid eligibility to those <133% Federal Poverty Level, (2) waived five-year waiting period for pregnant immigrants to access Medicaid. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Survey responses from 35,779 postpartum individuals with self-reported Hispanic ethnicity who gave birth during 2016-2020. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Compared to English-speaking Hispanic people, Spanish-speaking individuals reported lower preconception care attendance and worse timeliness and adequacy of prenatal care. In states without Medicaid expansion and immigrant Medicaid coverage, Hispanic birthing people had, respectively, 2.3 (95% CI:0.6, 3.9) and 3.1 (95% CI:1.6, 4.6) percentage-point lower postpartum care attendance and 4.2 (95% CI:2.1, 6.3) and 9.2 (95% CI:7.2, 11.2) percentage-point lower prenatal care quality than people in states with these policies. In states with these policies, Spanish-speaking Hispanic people had 3.3 (95% CI:1.3, 5.4) and 3.0 (95% CI:0.9, 5.1) percentage-point lower prenatal care adequacy, but 1.3 (95% CI:-1.1, 3.6) and 2.7 (95% CI:0.2, 5.1) percentage-point higher postpartum care quality than English-speaking Hispanic people. In states without these policies, those same comparisons were 7.3 (95% CI:3.8, 10.8) and 7.9 (95% CI:4.6, 11.1) percentage-points lower and 9.6 (95% CI:5.5, 13.7) and 5.3 (95% CI:1.8, 8.9) percentage-points higher. CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal care utilization and quality vary among Hispanic birthing people by primary language and state policy environment. States with Medicaid expansion and immigrant Medicaid coverage had greater equity between Spanish-speaking and English-speaking Hispanic people in adequate prenatal care and postpartum care quality among those who gave birth.

Predicting fertility, neonatal and perinatal mortality, and stillbirths for evaluation of the needs for perinatal care in the future post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To predict trends in fertility, neonatal and perinatal mortality, and stillbirth rates to ascertain future perinatal care requirements during the post-war reconstruction in Ukraine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study uses the data from the Centre for Medical Statistics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, covering the years 2012 to 2022. The data analysis was by a univariate linear regression model. The quality of these models was evaluated using the coefficient of determination, R2. RESULTS: Results: In 2022, the birth rate in Ukraine had declined to 2.5 times lower than that of 2011. The period was characterized by a notable increase in the incidence of premature births and in neonates with birth weights under 1000 grams and between 1000 to 2499 grams. While the neonatal mortality rate decreased by 3.7 times, there remains a statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in the mortality rates of premature infants and neonates weighing less than 1000 grams. The stillbirth rate in Ukraine remains constant; however, it exceeds that of the European Union. Predictions indicate a rise in antenatal mortality and a reduction in both intranatal and perinatal mortality. As of 2022, the perinatal mortality rate in Ukraine made up 7.72 per 1000 live births, which is significantly higher than the rate in the European Union. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The optimization of the network of healthcare facilities and resources should be prioritized, in response to the reliable decline in the birth rate. This necessitates improvements in the medical care for premature and low birth weight infants, and efforts for preventing stillbirths.

A Retrospective Cohort Study of Disparities in Urine Drug Testing During the Perinatal Period in an Urban, Academic Medical Center.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate disparities in urine drug testing (UDT) during perinatal care at a single academic medical center. This retrospective cohort study included patients who had a live birth and received prenatal care at our institution between 10/1/2015 and 9/30/2020. The primary outcomes were maternal UDT during pregnancy (UDTPN) and UDT only at delivery (UDTDEL). Secondary outcomes included the number of UDTs (UDTNUM) and the association between a positive UDT test result and race/ethnicity. Mixed model logistic regression and negative binomial regression with clustering based on prenatal care locations were used to control for confounders. Of 6,240 live births, 2,265 (36.3%) and 167 (2.7%) received UDTPN and UDTDEL, respectively. Black (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.54-2.84) and individuals of Other races (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.03-2.64) had greater odds of UDTPN compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. Black (beta = 1.12, p < 0.001) and Hispanic individuals (beta = 0.78, p < 0.001) also had a positive relationship with UDTNUM. Compared to individuals with non-Medicaid insurance, those insured by Medicaid had greater odds of UDTPN (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.11-2.49) and had a positive relationship with UDTNUM (beta = 0.89, p < 0.001). No significant associations were found for UDTDEL and race/ethnicity. Despite receiving more UDT, Black individuals were not more likely to have a positive test result compared to non-Hispanic White individuals (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.72-1.25). Our findings demonstrate persistent disparities in substance use testing during the perinatal period.

Addressing bias in preterm birth research: The role of advanced imputation techniques for missing race and ethnicity in perinatal health data.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of Bayesian Improved Surname Geocoding (BISG) and Bayesian Improved First Name Surname Geocoding (BIFSG) in estimating race and ethnicity, and how they influence odds ratios for preterm birth. METHODS: We analyzed hospital birth admission electronic health records (EHR) data (N = 9985). We created two simulation sets with 40 % of race and ethnicity data missing randomly or more likely for non-Hispanic black birthing people who had preterm birth. We calculated C-statistics to evaluate how accurately BISG and BIFSG estimate race and ethnicity. We examined the association between race and ethnicity and preterm birth using logistic regression and reported odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: BISG and BIFSG showed high accuracy for most racial and ethnic categories (C-statistics = 0.94-0.97, 95 % confidence intervals [CI] = 0.92-0.97). When race and ethnicity were not missing at random, BISG (OR = 1.25, CI = 0.97-1.62) and BIFSG (OR = 1.38, CI = 1.08-1.76) resulted in positive estimates mirroring the true association (OR = 1.68, CI = 1.34-2.09) for Non-Hispanic Black birthing people, while traditional methods showed contrasting estimates (Complete case OR = 0.62, CI = 0.41-0.94; multiple imputation OR = 0.63, CI = 0.40-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: BISG and BIFSG accurately estimate missing race and ethnicity in perinatal EHR data, decreasing bias in preterm birth research, and are recommended over traditional methods to reduce potential bias.

Cesarean birth and adverse birth outcomes among sub-populations of deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

BACKGROUND: Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) people are at higher risk than their non-DHH counterparts of experiencing adverse birth outcomes. There is a lack of research focusing on social, linguistic, and medical factors related to being DHH which may identify groups of DHH people who experience more inequity. OBJECTIVE: Examine difference in prevalence of cesarean and adverse birth outcomes among diverse sub-groups of DHH people. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of DHH birthing people in the U.S. who gave birth within the past 10 years. The sample was predominantly white, college educated, and married. We assessed cesarean birth and three adverse birth outcomes: preterm birth, low birthweight, and NICU admission post-delivery. DHH-specific variables were genetic etiology of hearing loss, preferred language (i.e., American Sign Language, English, or bilingual), severity of hearing loss, age of onset of hearing loss, and self-reported quality of perinatal care communication. We estimated prevalence, 95 % confidence intervals, and unadjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent of our sample reported a cesarean birth. Overall, there were no significant differences in prevalence across the outcome variables with respect to preferred language, genetic etiology, severity, and age of onset. Poorer perinatal care communication quality was associated with higher prevalence of preterm birth (PR = 2.37) and NICU admission (PR = 1.91). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found no evidence supporting differences in obstetric outcomes among DHH birthing people across medical factors related to deafness. Findings support the important role of communication access for DHH people in healthcare environments.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal care and outcomes: A retrospective study in a tertiary hospital in Northern Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal mortality remains a global challenge. This challenge may be worsened by the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child health. OBJECTIVES: Examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal care and outcomes in the Tamale Teaching Hospital in northern Ghana. METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted in the Tamale Teaching Hospital. We compared antenatal care attendance, total deliveries, cesarean sections, and perinatal mortality before the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021). Interrupted time series analyses was performed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal care and outcomes at TTH. RESULTS: A total number of 35,350 antenatal visits and 16,786 deliveries were registered at TTH from March 2019 to February 2021. Antenatal care, early neonatal death, and emergency cesarean section showed a rapid decline after the onset of the pandemic, with a progressive recovery over the following months. The total number of deliveries and fresh stillbirths showed a step change with a marked decrease during the pandemic, while the macerated stillbirths showed a pulse change, a temporary marked decrease with a quick recovery over time. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on perinatal care and outcomes in our facility. Pregnancy monitoring through antenatal care should be encouraged and continued even as countries tackle the pandemic.

Healthcare practitioners' experiences and perspectives of music in perinatal care in Ireland: An exploratory survey.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence shows that music can promote the wellbeing of women and infants in the perinatal period. Ireland's National Maternity Strategy (2016-2026) suggests a holistic approach to woman's healthcare needs and music interventions are ideally placed as a non-pharmacological and cost-effective intervention to improve the quality of care offered to women and infants. This cross-sectional survey aimed to explore the healthcare practitioners' personal and professional experiences of using music therapeutically and its impact and barriers in practice. The survey also investigated practitioners' knowledge and attitudes towards the use of music as a therapeutic tool in perinatal care. METHODS: A novel online survey was developed and distributed through healthcare practitioners' electronic mailing lists, social media, Perinatal Mental Health staff App, and posters at the regional maternity hospital during 26th June and 26th October 2020. Survey items included demographics, personal and professional use of music, and perspectives on music intervention in perinatal care. RESULTS: Forty-six healthcare practitioners from across 11 professions were recruited and 42 were included in this study. 98 % of perinatal practitioners used music intentionally to support their wellbeing and 75 % referred to using music in their work. While 90 % found music beneficial in their practice, 15 % reported some negative effect. Around two-thirds of the respondents were familiar with the evidence on music and perinatal wellbeing and 95 % thought there was not enough guidance. 40 % considered music therapy an evidence-based practice and 81 % saw a role for music therapy in standard maternity service in Ireland. The qualitative feedback on how music was used personally and professionally, its' reported benefits, negative effects, and barriers are discussed. DISCUSSION: This study offers insights into how healthcare practitioners viewed and applied music in perinatal practice. The findings indicate high interest and positive experiences in using music as a therapeutic tool in perinatal care which highlights the need for more evidence and guidance.

Effects of rurality and distance to care on perinatal outcomes over a 1-year period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to investigate the roles of rurality and distance to care on adverse perinatal outcomes and COVID-19 seroprevalence at the time of delivery over a 1-year period. METHODS: Data were collected from the electronic medical record on all pregnant patients who delivered at a single, large, Midwest academic medical center over 1 year. Rurality was classified using standard Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes. Geographic Information System tools were used to map outcomes. Data were analyzed with univariate and multivariate models, controlling for Body Mass Index (BMI), insurance status, and parity. FINDINGS: A total of 2,497 patients delivered during the study period; 20% of patients were rural (n = 499), 18.6% were micropolitan (n = 466), and 61.4% were metropolitan (n = 1,532). 10.4% of patients (n = 259) were COVID-19 seropositive. Rural patients did not experience higher rates of any measured adverse outcomes than metropolitan patients; micropolitan patients had increased odds of preterm labor (OR = 1.41, P = .022) and pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.78, P<.001). Patients living 30+ miles away from the medical center had increased odds of preterm labor (OR = 1.94, P<.001), pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.73, P = .002), and infant admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (OR = 2.12, P<.001), as well as lower gestational age at delivery (ß = -9.2 days, P<.001) and birth weight (ß = -206 grams, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Distance to care, rather than rurality, was the key predictor of multiple adverse perinatal outcomes in this cohort of deliveries over a 1-year period. Our study suggests that rurality should not be used as a standalone indicator of access to care without further knowledge of the specific barriers affecting a given population.

Disparities in the provision of perinatal care based on patient race in the United States.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, there are significant health inequities in perinatal care. This study examined differences in perinatal care provided to women based on the birthing person's designated race, within a large and diverse cohort of women. METHODS: This retrospective electronic medical record review identified patients receiving perinatal care within a large hospital system between January 2012 and September 2018 and examined associations between maternal designated race/ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic [NH] Black, Asian or White) and various provider treatment decisions. RESULTS: The study sample (N = 7056) was comprised of 36% Hispanic, 34% NH White, 21% NH Black, and 4% NH Asian women, aged 29.7 ± 6.3 years; 53% of the sample had private insurance, and 45% had Medicaid. Few differences by race were seen in perinatal care based on guidelines or expert recommendations (nondiscretionary care). Discretionary care, however, varied by race: Compared with NH White women, NH Black women were less likely to receive a prenatal depression screen (OR 0.8 [95% CI: 0.7, 0.9]) and more likely to have a urine drug test when denying drug use (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.3, 2.0]), whereas Hispanic (OR 0.6 [95% CI: 0.5, 0.8]) and NH Asian (0.4 [95% CI 0.2, 0.9]) women were less likely to have a urine drug test completed when denying drug use. DISCUSSION: Perinatal care differs by maternal race/ethnicity, particularly when guidelines or expert recommendations are absent. Greater efforts need to be made to identify and mitigate providers' implicit and explicit biases; expanded professional guidelines may offer some protections against inequitable, discretionary care.

Características actuales de la población pediátrica asistida en un centro de salud del primer nivel de atención en 2020-2021: Montevideo, Uruguay / Characteristics of the pediatric population assisted at primary care level in Montevideo, Uruguay / Características da população pediátrica assistida no nível de atenção primária em Montevidéu, Uruguai

Introducción: alrededor del 30% de las enfermedades infantiles responden a factores sociofamiliares y ambientales, asociados a condiciones de vida, dinámica familiar y exposición a sustancias tóxicas. Conocer las características de la población pediátrica que asiste este centro de salud nos ayudará a identificar factores que pueden estar influyendo en su salud. Objetivos: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la población menor de 15 años que recibió asistencia en el Centro de Salud Badano Repetto en el período 2020-2021. Conocer diferentes variables que pueden influir en la salud de esta población Identificar asociación de variables familiares y socioculturales con el desarrollo en las diferentes edades. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, corte transversal. Se incluyó una muestra por conveniencia del 15% del total de los niños y adolescentes menores de 15 años asistidos en el centro de salud desde 1/10/2020 hasta 31/3/2021. Variables estudiadas: del niño: sexo, edad, antecedentes perinatales, crecimiento y desarrollo, controles en salud, inmunizaciones, escolarización, actividades extracurriculares. De los padres: edad, nivel educativo, consumo de sustancias psicoactivas, antecedentes patológicos, empleo, privación de libertad. Familia y vivienda: estado civil de los padres, antecedentes de violencia doméstica, convivientes, características de la vivienda, servicios básicos, transferencias directas de ayuda, intervención de equipos de territorio. Fuente de datos: historias clínicas y vía telefónica. Registro en planilla prediseñada. Los resultados se expresan en frecuencias absolutas, relativas y medidas de tendencia central con su rango. Se utilizó test de Chi cuadrado o exacto de Fisher. Nivel de significación: 0,05. Programa Epi Info™ versión 7.2. Consentimiento informado telefónico a padres y asentimiento a adolescentes. Aprobado por el Comité de Ética del CHPR. Resultados: consultaron 2.826 menores de 15 años, se incluyeron 426 (15%), pero solo 263 (62%) fueron analizados, dado que 163 (38%) no pudieron ser contactados telefónicamente. El 52% eran de sexo femenino. Media de edad: 4 años (5 días-14 años), 69% ≤5 años. 83% de los pacientes tenían adecuados controles de salud y 91% estaban al día con sus inmunizaciones. 12% tenían sobrepeso/obesidad. El desarrollo neurológico fue adecuado en 93% en los menores de 5 años y en 56% de los mayores de 5 años de edad. En el caso de aquellos con trastornos del neurodesarrollo mayores de 5 años, 46% tenían trastornos del aprendizaje, 39% trastorno de conducta, 32% trastornos del lenguaje, 10% déficit intelectual. 56% estaba escolarizado, todos en escuelas públicas. En el caso de aquellos que no asistían a la escuela, 4 estaban en edad de asistencia obligatoria (6, 7, 9 y 10 años de edad). 20% de los niños/adolescentes había repetido por lo menos un año en escuela o liceo. Datos perinatales: 14% de las madres consumieron drogas; las más frecuentes fueron tabaco y pasta base de cocaína (PBC). 85% fueron recién nacidos de término, 10% presentaron depresión neonatal. 15% de niños/ adolescentes estuvo expuesto a violencia doméstica y 32% de ellos (12/38) tenía por lo menos un padre con uso de drogas psicoactivas en el domicilio. 21% de los niños/adolescentes expuestos a violencia doméstica tenía una dificultad de aprendizaje. 8% de estos pacientes tenía por lo menos un padre que no había terminado educación primaria y 28% que no había terminado ciclo básico. Se encontró una relación significativa entre uso de drogas psicoactivas, declarada por uno o ambos padres, y violencia doméstica. No se encontró una relación significativa entre alteración del neurodesarrollo y violencia doméstica. Conclusiones: estos hallazgos muestran una población social y económicamente vulnerable, padres con baja escolaridad, uso de pasta base de cocaína durante el embarazo en un porcentaje mayor al reportado nacionalmente, y 15% de niños/adolescentes expuestos a violencia doméstica, pero con un buen número de controles de salud. La mayor fortaleza encontrada por este estudio es la importancia de mantener una buena conexión con estas familias, que mostraron un alto nivel de compromiso con el centro de salud. Esto nos desafía a priorizar la prevención y promoción en salud como herramientas valiosas para adquirir salud de calidad para estos niños/adolescentes. Nuevos estudios, con otras metodologías, serán necesarios para analizar estas variables encontradas.

Introduction: around 30% of childhood diseases are caused by social, environmental and family issues, as well as by life conditions, family dynamics and exposure to toxic substances. Understanding the characteristics of the pediatric population assisted at this Health Center, will help us identify health-threatening factors. Objectives: Describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the population under 15 years of age assisted at Badano Repetto Health Center between 2020 and 2021. Understand the different variables that could influence this population´s health. Identify the link between family, social and cultural variables and neurological development at different ages. Methodology: descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling of 15% of the total number of children and adolescents under 15 years of age, assisted at the Health Center from 10/01/2020 to 3/31/2021. Variables: children: sex, age, perinatal history, growth and neurological development, health checkups, vaccines, school attendance, extracurricular activities. Parents: age, education, psychoactive substance use, pathological background, job, prison. Family and household: parent`s marital status, domestic violence history, cohabitants, housing characteristics, basic household services, government aids, community interventions. Data source: medical records and telephone conversations. Data was recorded on template charts. We used results in absolute and relative frequencies, and their measures of central tendency measures and their range, Chi-square test or Fisher´s exact test. Significance level 0,05. Epi Info Program, version 7.2. Informed parent and adolescent consent. Approved by the CHPR Ethics Committee. Results: out of the 2826 patients under 15 years of age assisted at the clinic, we included 426 (15%), but only 263 (62%) were analyzed, since we were not able to reach 163 (38%) by phone. 52% were female. The average age was 4 years of age (5 days-14 years old). 69% of children were under 5 years old. 83% of patients had adequate number of checkups and 91% had an updated vaccination chart. 12% were overweight/obese. Neurodevelopment was adequate in 93% of those under 5 years of age, and 56% of those over 5 years of age. Regarding those with neurodevelopmental difficulties and over 5 years of age, 46% had learning disabilities, 39% had behavioral disorders, 32% language disorders, 10% intellectual deficit. 56% attended school, all of them public schools. For those who did not attend school, 4 of them were old enough to attend mandatory school (6, 7, 9 and 10 years of age). 20% of the children and adolescents had failed at least one year in school or high school. Perinatal findings: 14% of mothers had substance use during pregnancy, mainly tobacco and cocaine base paste. 85% of them had been born to term, 10% had neonatal depression 15% of children/adolescents had been exposed to domestic violence and 32% of them (12/38) had one parent with psychoactive drug use at home. 21% of children/adolescents exposed to domestic violence had a learning disability. 8% had at least one parent who did not finish primary school and 28% who did not finish middle school. Statistically, a significant link was found between psychoactive substance use, declared by one or both parents, and domestic violence. No statistically significant link was found between neurodevelopmental difficulties and domestic violence. Conclusions: these findings show a socially and economically vulnerable population, parents with little formal education, higher cocaine paste base use during pregnancy than the national statistics and 15% of children/adolescents exposed to domestic violence, even though they a high number of them had received their health checkups. The biggest strength shown by this study is the importance of maintaining a good bond with these families, who showed a high level of commitment with the health center. This leads us to prioritize health prevention and promotion as a valuable tool to achieve health quality standards for these children and adolescents. New studies, using other methodologies, will be necessary to analyze this data.

Introdução: cerca de 30% das doenças infantis são causadas por questões sociais, ambientais e familiares, bem como por condições de vida, dinâmica familiar e exposição a substâncias tóxicas. Compreender as características da população pediátrica atendida neste Centro de Saúde, nos ajudará a identificar fatores de risco à saúde. Objetivos: Descrever as características clínico-epidemiológicas da população menor de 15 anos de idade atendida no Centro de Saúde Badano Repetto no período 2020-2021. Compreender diferentes variáveis que podem influenciar a saúde dessa população. Identificar uma relação entre as variáveis familiares e socioculturais e o desenvolvimento em diferentes idades. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, transversal. Foi incluída uma amostra por conveniência de 15% de todas as crianças e adolescentes menores de 15 anos atendidos no Centro de Saúde entre 01/10/2020 e 31/03/2021. Variáveis estudadas: da criança: sexo, idade, história perinatal, crescimento e desenvolvimento, controles de saúde, imunizações, escolaridade, atividades extracurriculares. Dos pais: idade, escolaridade, consumo de substâncias psicoativas, histórico médico, emprego, privação de liberdade. Família e habitação: estado civil dos pais, história de violência doméstica, coabitantes, características da moradia, serviços básicos, transferências de ajuda de custo, intervenção das equipes no território. Fonte de dados: prontuários e enquetes telefônicas. Cadastro em planilha padrão. Os resultados são expressos em frequências absolutas e relativas e medidas de tendência central com sua amplidão. Utilizou-se o teste do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher. Nível de significância 0,05. Programa Epi Info™ versão 7.2. Consentimento informado por telefone pais e consentimento dos adolescentes. Aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética do CHPR. Resultados: 2.826 crianças menores de 15 anos consultadas, 426 (15%) foram incluídas, mas 263 (62%) foram analisadas, pois 163 (38%) não puderam ser contatadas por telefone. 52% eram do sexo feminino. Idade média 4 anos (5 dias -14 anos), 69% ≤ 5 anos. 83% dos pacientes possuíam controles de saúde adequados e 91% estavam com suas imunizações em dia. 12% com sobrepeso/obesidade. O desenvolvimento neurológico foi adequado em 93% dos menores de 5 anos e em 56% dos maiores de 5 anos. No caso dos portadores de transtornos de neurodesenvolvimento com mais de 5 anos, 46% apresentavam transtorno de aprendizagem, 39% transtorno de conduta, 32% transtorno de linguagem, 10% déficit intelectual. 56% estavam na escola, todos em escolas públicas. No caso dos que não frequentaram a escola, 4 deles estavam em idade em idade escolar obrigatória (6, 7, 9 e 10 anos). 20% das crianças/adolescentes repetiram pelo menos um ano na escola ou no ensino médio. Dados perinatais: 14% das mães usavam drogas; pasta base de tabaco e maiormente pasta base de cocaína (PBC). 85% eram recém-nascidos a termo, 10% tinham depressão neonatal. 15% das crianças/adolescentes foram expostos à violência doméstica e 32% deles (12/38) tinham pelo menos um dos pais que usava drogas psicoativas em casa. 21% das crianças/adolescentes expostas à violência doméstica tinham dificuldade de aprendizagem. 8% desses pacientes possuíam pelo menos um dos pais com escola primária incompleta e 28% com ensino médio incompleto. Encontrou-se relação significativa entre o uso de drogas psicoativas, declarado por um ou ambos os pais, e a violência doméstica. Não foi encontrada relação significativa entre transtornos do neurodesenvolvimento e violência doméstica. Conclusões: esses achados mostram uma população social e economicamente vulnerável, pais com baixa escolaridade, uso de pasta base de cocaína durante a gravidez em porcentagem superior ao reportado a nível nacional, e 15% de crianças/adolescentes expostos à violência doméstica, mas com um alto número de controles de saúde. A maior fortaleza encontrada por este estudo é a importância de manter um bom vínculo com essas famílias, que demonstraram alto nível de comprometimento com o centro de saúde. Isso nos leva a priorizar a prevenção e promoção da saúde como ferramentas valiosas para a aquisição de saúde de qualidade para essas crianças/adolescentes. Novos estudos, com outras metodologias, serão necessários para poder analisar essas variáveis encontradas.

Effects of Perinatal Stroke on Executive Functioning and Mathematics Performance in Children.

The goal of this study was to examine executive functioning, math performance, and visuospatial processing skills of children with perinatal stroke, which have not been well explored in this population. Participants included 18 children with perinatal stroke (aged 6-16 years old) and their primary caregiver. Each child completed standardized tests of executive function and visuospatial processing skills, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and math achievement. Performance on executive function, IQ, math, and visuospatial processing tests was significantly lower in children with perinatal stroke when compared to normative means. Poorer inhibitory control was associated with worse math performance. Increased age at testing was associated with better performance on visuospatial ability (using standardized scores), and females performed better than males on a test of inhibitory control. Children with perinatal stroke displayed a range of neuropsychological impairments, and difficulties with executive function (inhibition) may contribute to math difficulties in this population.

Análise temporal da letalidade materna hospitalar no pós-parto segundo risco gestacional e via de parto, nas regiões do Brasil, 2010-2019 / Análisis temporal de letalidad materna hospitalaria en el posparto según riesgo gestacional y vía de parto en las regiones de Brasil, 2010-2019 / Time series analysis of in-hospital maternal case fatality ratio in the postpartum period according to pregnancy risks and route of delivery in the regions of Brazil, 2010-2019

Objetivo: analisar a letalidade materna hospitalar pós-parto segundo risco gestacional e via de parto, no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil e macrorregiões, 2010-2019. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal, com dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares; a letalidade materna hospitalar pós-parto considerou internações maternas com desfecho "óbito" sobre o total de internações/ano, segundo risco gestacional e via de parto, nas regiões. Resultados: houve 19.158.167 internações para parto e 5.110 óbitos no período analisado; a letalidade materna subiu de 1,1 (2010) para 1,9 óbito/10 mil internações (2019), em gestações de risco habitual após partos vaginais, e reduziu-se de 10,5 (2010) para 7,0 óbitos/10 mil internações (2019) em gestações de alto risco após cesarianas; o Centro-Oeste expressou a maior e o Sul a menor letalidade para gestações de alto risco. Conclusão: a letalidade hospitalar foi maior em gestações de alto risco, com diferenças segundo via de parto e regiões.

Objetivo: analizar la letalidad materna hospitalaria posparto según riesgo gestacional y modalidad de parto por el Sistema Único de Salud en Brasil y regiones entre 2010-2019. Métodos: estudio de serie temporal ecológico con datos del Sistema de Información Hospitalario; la letalidad materna hospitalaria posparto consideró las hospitalizaciones maternas con resultado de óbito, por el total de hospitalizaciones por año. Resultados: hubo 19.158.167 admisiones por parto y 5.110 óbitos en el período; la letalidad materna aumentó de 1,10 (2010) a 1,9 muerte/10.000 (2019) en embarazos de riesgo habitual posparto vaginal y disminuyó de 10,5 a 7,0 muertes/10.000 en embarazos de alto riesgo después de cesáreas; el Centro-Oeste expresó la letalidad más alta y el Sur la más baja para embarazos de alto riesgo. Conclusión: la letalidad hospitalaria fue mayor en los embarazos de alto riesgo, con diferencias según el modo de parto y las regiones de Brasil.

Objective: to analyze in-hospital maternal case fatality ratio in the postpartum period according to pregnancy risks and route of delivery, within the Brazilian National Health System, Brazil and macro-regions, 2010-2019. Methods: this was an ecological time-series study, using data from the Hospital Information System; in-hospital maternal case fatality ratio in the postpartum period took into consideration maternal hospitalizations with outcome 'death' over the total number of hospitalizations per year, according to pregnancy risks and route of delivery, in the regions. Results: there were 19,158,167 hospitalizations for childbirth and 5,110 deaths in the period analyzed; maternal case fatality ratio increased from 1.1 (2010) to 1.9 death/10,000 hospitalizations (2019), in usual-risk pregnancies after vaginal deliveries, and decreased from 10.5 (2010) to 7.0 deaths/10,000 hospitalizations (2019) in high-risk pregnancies after cesarean sections; the Midwest region presented the highest and the South region the lowest case fatality ratio for high-risk pregnancies. Conclusion: in-hospital case fatality ratio was higher for high-risk pregnancies, showing differences according to route of delivery and regions.

Causal effects on low Apgar at 5-min and stillbirth in a malaria maternal-fetal health outcome investigation: a large perinatal surveillance study in the Brazilian Amazon.

BACKGROUND: Malaria elimination in Brazil poses several challenges, including the control of Plasmodium falciparum foci and the hidden burden of Plasmodium vivax in pregnancy. Maternal malaria and fetal health outcomes were investigated with a perinatal surveillance study in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre state, Brazilian Amazon. The research questions are: what are the causal effects of low birth weight on low Apgar at 5-min and of perinatal anaemia on stillbirth? METHODS: From November 2018 to October 2019, pregnant women of ≥ 22 weeks or puerperal mothers, who delivered at the referral maternity hospital (Juruá Women and Children's Hospital), were recruited to participate in a malaria surveillance study. Clinical information was obtained from a questionnaire and abstracted from medical reports. Haemoglobin level and presence of malarial parasites were tested by haematology counter and light microscopy, respectively. Low Apgar at 5-min and stillbirth were the outcomes analysed in function of clinical data and epidemiologic risk factors for maternal malaria infection using both a model of additive and independent effects and a causal model with control of confounders and use of mediation. RESULTS: In total, 202 (7.2%; N = 2807) women had malaria during pregnancy. Nearly half of malaria infections during pregnancy (n = 94) were P. falciparum. A total of 27 women (1.03%; N = 2632) had perinatal malaria (19 P. vivax and 8 P. falciparum). Perinatal anaemia was demonstrated in 1144 women (41.2%; N = 2779) and low birth weight occurred in 212 newborns (3.1%; N = 2807). A total of 75 newborns (2.7%; N = 2807) had low (< 7) Apgar scores at 5-min., and stillbirth occurred in 23 instances (30.7%; n = 75). Low birth weight resulted in 7.1 higher odds of low Apgar at 5-min (OR = 7.05, 95% CI 3.86-12.88, p < 0.001) modulated by living in rural conditions, malaria during pregnancy, perinatal malaria, and perinatal anaemia. Stillbirth was associated with perinatal anaemia (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.02-6.42, p = 0.0444) modulated by living in rural conditions, falciparum malaria during pregnancy, perinatal malaria, and perinatal fever. CONCLUSIONS: While Brazil continues its path towards malaria elimination, the population still faces major structural problems, including substandard living conditions. Here malaria infections on pregnant women were observed having indirect effects on fetal outcomes, contributing to low Apgar at 5-min and stillbirth. Finally, the utility of employing multiple statistical analysis methods to validate consistent trends is vital to ensure optimal public health intervention designs.

Birth Outcomes for Planned Home and Licensed Freestanding Birth Center Births in Washington State.

OBJECTIVE: To describe rates of maternal and perinatal birth outcomes for community births and to compare outcomes by planned place of birth (home vs state-licensed, freestanding birth center) in a Washington State birth cohort, where midwifery practice and integration mirrors international settings. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all births attended by members of a statewide midwifery professional association that were within professional association guidelines and met eligibility criteria for planned birth center birth (term gestation, singleton, vertex fetus with no known fluid abnormalities at term, no prior cesarean birth, no hypertensive disorders, no prepregnancy diabetes), from January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020. Outcome rates were calculated for all planned community births in the cohort. Estimated relative risks were calculated comparing delivery and perinatal outcomes for planned births at home to state-licensed birth centers, adjusted for parity and other confounders. RESULTS: The study population included 10,609 births: 40.9% planned home and 59.1% planned birth center births. Intrapartum transfers to hospital were more frequent among nulliparous individuals (30.5%; 95% CI 29.2-31.9) than multiparous individuals (4.2%; 95% CI 3.6-4.6). The cesarean delivery rate was 11.4% (95% CI 10.2-12.3) in nulliparous individuals and 0.87% (95% CI 0.7-1.1) in multiparous individuals. The perinatal mortality rate after the onset of labor (intrapartum and neonatal deaths through 7 days) was 0.57 (95% CI 0.19-1.04) per 1,000 births. Rates for other adverse outcomes were also low. Compared with planned birth center births, planned home births had similar risks in crude and adjusted analyses. CONCLUSION: Rates of adverse outcomes for this cohort in a U.S. state with well-established and integrated community midwifery were low overall. Birth outcomes were similar for births planned at home or at a state-licensed, freestanding birth center.