Vulnerable Women’s Perceptions of Individual Versus Group Prenatal Care: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey
Abstract
Vulnerable pregnant women (e.g. women with low socio-economic status or recent immigrants) are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care or to attend perinatal education classes. CenteringPregnancy (CP) is a model of group prenatal care which combines assessment, education and support. This study aimed to assess patient experience among vulnerable women in group prenatal care compared to individual care. Results: Women in CP were younger, more likely to be single and having their first baby than women in individual care. Women in CP were significantly more likely to report having received enough information on exercise during pregnancy, breastfeeding and baby care. Women in CP were more likely to report that they felt their prenatal care providers were interested in how the pregnancy was affecting their life. Hence, group prenatal care provides a positive experience and improves information exchange among vulnerable populations. Programs interested in engaging, educating and empowering vulnerable pregnant women may benefit from implementation of group care.
Notes
Location
Alberta
Key recommendations
More initiatives that offer group-based prenatal care that is consistent may lead to better outcomes for vulnerable women, including immigrant women
Key populations
Immigrant women
Key findings
Participating in a group pre-natal program (CenteringPregnancy) leads to better outcomes for pregnant women in vulnerable groups (including recent immigrant women); Women report higher levels of satisfaction with the information they receive in a group setting; Women who participated in CP report higher satisfaction with their prenatal caregiver
Gaps identified
Women who are vulnerable due to demographic factors (including immigrant status) are less likely to obtain adequate prenatal care
Community organizations
NA
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
NA
Open-access – No