The Effect of Prenatal Care Delivery Models Targeting Populations with Low Rates of PNC Attendance: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

People at higher risk of poverty or social exclusion are less likely to receive adequate prenatal care (PNC) and have a higher risk of poor perinatal outcomes. Appropriate PNC may help to reduce adverse outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials in high income countries on the impact of PNC delivery models targeting populations with low rates of PNC attendance on maternal and newborn outcomes. Searches in four scientific databases identified seven eligible studies. Interventions included group PNC and augmented PNC. The quality of the evidence was moderate to very low. We found insufficient evidence to conclude whether or not these interventions can reduce rates of PTB and SGA. We conclude there is limited high quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of PNC delivery models targeting populations with low rates of PNC attendance and more high-quality research on promising interventions such as mobile PNC clinics is needed.