Abstract
BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect 5–10% of pregnant women. Long-term health issues for these women include 2–3 times the risk of heart attacks, stroke and diabetes, starting within 10 years after pregnancy, making long-term health after HDP of major public health importance. Recent studies suggest this knowledge is not being transferred sufficiently to women and how best to transmit this information is not known. This study explored women’s preferred content, format and access to education regarding long-term health after HDP.MethodsThis was a qualitative study and framework analysis was undertaken. Women with a history of HDP who had participated in a survey on long-term health after HDP were invited to participate in this study. During telephone interviews women were asked about preferences and priorities concerning knowledge acquisition around long-term health after HDP.ResultsThirteen women were interviewed. They indicated that they wanted more detailed information about long-term and modifiable risk factors. Their preference was to receive risk counselling from their healthcare provider (HCP) early after giving birth along with evidence-based, print or web-based information to take home. All women suggested more structured postnatal follow-up, with automated reminders for key appointments. Automated reminders should detail rationale for follow-up, recommended tests and discussion topics to be addressed at the appointment.ConclusionOur findings show that most participants wanted information soon after birth with all women wanting information within 12 months post birth, complemented with detailed take-home evidence. Participants indicated preference for structured follow-up via their HCP with automated alerts about the appointment and recommended tests. This evidence can be used to guide the development of education programs for women on health after HDP which may enhance knowledge, preventive health management and more generally improve women’s health trajectories.
Highlights
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GH), and chronic hypertension (CH), affect 5–10% of pregnant women globally [1]
Ischaemic heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in women globally, [5] are 2–2.5 times higher after preeclampsia compared to normotensive pregnancies [6,7,8], with risks of Type 2 diabetes and renal disease increased [9]
Saturation was achieved after 8 interviews as most women were providing similar suggestions and comparable perceptions
Summary
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including preeclampsia (PE), gestational hypertension (GH), and chronic hypertension (CH), affect 5–10% of pregnant women globally [1]. HDP, the multisystem disorder preeclampsia, [2] are a major cause of poor pregnancy outcome leading globally to over 50 000 maternal deaths and 400,000 perinatal deaths each year [3, 4]. Long-term health issues for these women include 2–3 times the risk of heart attacks, stroke and diabetes, starting within 10 years after pregnancy, making long-term health after HDP of major public health importance. Recent studies suggest this knowledge is not being transferred sufficiently to women and how best to transmit this information is not known. This study explored women’s preferred content, format and access to education regarding long-term health after HDP
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
