Evaluation of the Ministry of Health's pilot program - A personal pregnancy follow-up service

Abstract

Abstract Background The Israeli Ministry of Health has developed a unique pregnancy follow-up (PF) service in the Haifa District Infant-Parent Centers, including a fixed nurse attending the necessary examinations and services, supporting and guiding the woman throughout her pregnancy. Aim To examine the differences between the participants who received PF within the pilot program (research group) and those who received standard PF (control group) regarding health behaviors, receiving information and attitudes regarding health behaviors, professional support, and satisfaction with the service. Methods Questionnaires were filled in by 293 mothers to infants- 38% of which belonged to the research group and 62% to the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups’ characteristics. Findings Significant differences were found between the groups regarding receiving information and support, and some of the attitudes and behaviors, as well as a difference in satisfaction, in favor of the research group; e.g., 95% of the participants in the research group were vaccinated against Pertussis, as compared to 85% of the control group (z = 2.47, p<.001). Process model for parallel mediation revealed that receiving PF in the research group was associated with (1) More positive attitudes (Effect=0.06, SE = 0.04 CI=0.01,0.15) and receiving information (Effect=0.18, SE = 0.08 CI=0.02,0.33), which in turn were associated with more reported health behaviors (Total indirect effect=0.30, SE = 0.09 CI=0.14,0.49); (2) Receiving more support (Effect=0.16, SE = 0.04 CI=0.09,0.26), as well as more information (Effect=0.10, SE = 0.05 CI=0.01, 0.19), which in turn were associated with higher satisfaction with the PF (Total indirect effect=0.25, SE = 0.05 CI=0.16,0.36). Conclusions The findings indicate the pilot program's success in promoting pregnant women's health, among other things, due to the guidance and support provided by a fixed dedicated nurse. Key messages • Personal pregnancy follow-up is efficient for supporting and guiding women during a sensitive period for their fetus’ and their own health, and encourages compliance with health behaviors. • It is recommended to implement the program in additional districts, and to examine the findings among a wider and more diverse sample.