Family Care Providers Research Articles

Concept and System of Social Assistance Agreements

The concept of a social assistance agreement, its parties and purpose, which depends on the type of agreement, is defined. The system and mechanisms of concluding social assistance agreements as a basis for the formation of a non-state social security system are studied. The legislation does not contain a single list and mechanics of conclusion and execution. Under a social assistance agreement, the recipient, as a person in difficult life circumstances that he or she cannot overcome or mitigate on his or her own, may receive material benefits or other intangible benefits at the expense or with the participation of the provider under certain conditions. The purpose of concluding a contract is to assist in overcoming or mitigating difficult life circumstances at the expense of the provider's funds or property, or by raising funds or the provider's property, using non-state social security funds for a certain period. A person in need of social security has the right to use the assistance of a charitable organization in the form prescribed by law. On the basis of the agreement it is possible to receive services from volunteers and the volunteer organization. The probation volunteering contract is concluded to achieve the goal set by law, so it is advisable to set clear requirements for the probation volunteer. It is substantiated that the content of the inheritance agreement may stipulate the provision of social security to the alienator on the terms specified in the agreement. It is established that social security for children in difficult life circumstances can be provided by concluding social assistance agreements. The expediency of applying a foster care agreement to a child who has suffered from human trafficking, who has lost his or her parents or whose parents are unable to perform their duties due to health or other reasons in order to ensure that he or she is provided with social security under the conditions specified by law. The expediency of applying a foster care agreement for the immediate provision of family care for a child for a period when his family status is uncertain is indicated. It is substantiated that the purpose of the agreement on the placement of a child in foster care and cohabitation in a foster family is to provide him with social security and create conditions for learning and development. It is established that the purpose of the agreement on the establishment of a family-type orphanage is to guarantee the provision of social services and state assistance. On the basis of the conducted research the expediency of normative fixing of the standard form of the contract on rendering services of the municipal nanny that will promote coordination of interests of the parties of this contract and protection of their rights is proved. Keywords: contract, social assistance contract, purpose of contract, parties to contract, difficult life circumstance.

Alcohol-related beliefs and non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Cape Town, South Africa.

The life-saving effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in treating HIV infection are compromised by alcohol use. A growing body of research shows that both unintentional (e.g., memory lapses) and intentional (e.g., forgoing ART to avoid mixing with alcohol) contribute to ART non-adherence. Beliefs that it is harmful to mix alcohol with ART (alcohol-ART interactive toxicity beliefs) contribute to intentional non-adherence, but their role in overall adherence is not clear. This study conducted a clinic-based survey with 100 men and 193 women (mean age = 36) to examine the prevalence of alcohol-ART interactive toxicity beliefs and whether they contribute to treatment non-adherence in South Africa. One in three (36%, n = 106) participants reported no current alcohol use and 64% (n = 187) reported current alcohol use. The majority of participants, including current alcohol drinkers, endorsed beliefs that it is harmful to mix ART and alcohol, with 57% who currently drink reporting that they forgo taking ART when they are drinking. Participants reported being warned not to mix alcohol and ART from family, friends, and health care providers. In addition, 62% of participants who do not drink, as well as 36% of those who do drink, tell others not to mix alcohol and ART. Mediation modelling found that alcohol use directly predicts ART adherence, and that this relationship is partially mediated by alcohol-ART interactive toxicity beliefs. Health care providers can play a critical role in disputing interactive toxicity beliefs and encouraging patients to take ART even when they are drinking.

End of life – The nurses’ perspective

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) support is provided with the aim of maintaining the vital functions, reducing mortality and morbidity in patients with a severe critical illness.1 Despite having newly developed technologies and improvement in care, the death rate in the intensive care unit remains high, ranging between 20-35%.1 The care that people receive at the end of their lives has a profound impact not only upon them but also upon their families and carers.End of life (EOL) in the ICU is a challenge. Nature and spirituality have been superseded by all that medical science has to offer by way of technology and life support, prolonging the dying process and dictating the time of death.2 Death as it occurs in the ICU is neither simple nor natural. Caring for dying patients and their families is thought to be most stressful and painful to the nurses who constantly attend to the patients whereas other healthcare providers can visit and then walk away.3 There are only limited studies from the perspective of critical care nurses on obstacles and/or supportive behaviors that either restrict or promote good care for dying patients even though there are adequate documentation of the difficulties and inadequacies of providing EOL care to patients.3 It is well identified that the nurses have a decision making role as they act as a link between families and physicians in decisions at the end of life while interpreting and explaining information.2 It has been noted that the nursing paradigm of enhancing communication, reducing symptom burden, and supporting families are aligned with the common domains of EOL care.4 The study using the grounded theory approach to formulate a conceptual framework of the nursing role in EOL decision making in an ICU setting concluded that the core concept, supporting the journey, became evident in four major themes: Being There, A Voice to Speak Up, Enable Coming to Terms, and Helping to Let Go. Nurses describe being present with patients and families to validate feelings and give emotional support, nursing work, while bridging the journey between life and death, imparting strength and resilience and helping overcome barriers to ensure that patients receive holistic care. The conceptual framework challenges nurses to be present with patients and families at the end of life, clarify and interpret information, and help families come to terms with end-of-life decisions and release their loved ones.2 Thus involving the nurses in the multidisciplinary decision making of EOL care will be beneficial.Nurses play a very important role in EOL care by providing family care and collaborating with the rest of the medical team.5 Working as a nurse within the wider ICU team requires good collaborative and communication skills and few studies have focused on how we foster these skills to enhance EOL care in the ICU. Little is known about the role of nurses in end of life in the critical care setting, and therefore a grounded theory study in this area is needed to further understand this important role.2

Provision of Care for Families Affected by Craniofacial Conditions: The Views of Nonspecialist Health Professionals.

A diagnosis of a congenital craniofacial condition can have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of the affected family. As the first health professionals likely to come into contact with families, nonspecialists, such as diagnostic sonographers, midwives, and health visitors play a crucial role in facilitating familial adjustment. Yet, previous research has demonstrated parental dissatisfaction with the care delivered by nonspecialists. The aim of this study was to investigate the provision of care for families affected by craniofacial conditions from the perspective of nonspecialist health professionals, with a view to informing the development of educational materials. Individual semistructured telephone interviews (n = 14) were conducted with 3 diagnostic sonographers, 2 fetal medicine consultants, 3 midwives, 4 health visitors, and 2 children's nurses. Participants identified a range of barriers to the delivery of optimal care, including dealing with parental reactions, time pressure, hospital protocols and resources, a lack of contact with specialist craniofacial teams, and the emotional impact of delivering a diagnosis. Most participants had received no prior training in the area of congenital craniofacial conditions, while those who had felt current training materials were insufficient. All participants expressed a desire for further training and provided guidance regarding preferred content and format. This study provides insight into the challenges faced by nonspecialists, as well as a range of information and training needs that could improve their knowledge and confidence. Suggestions for the development of educational materials for nonspecialist health professionals are made.

What Comes after Caring? The Impact of Family Care on Women’s Employment

Previous research has shown that women providing family care tend to decrease paid work. We take the opposite perspective and examine how current and previous family care tasks influence women’s likelihood to (re-)enter employment or to increase working hours. Family care is defined as caring for an ill, disabled or frail elderly partner, parent, or other family member. Using German Socio-Economic Panel data, we apply Cox shared frailty regression modeling to analyze transitions (1) into paid work and (2) from part-time to full-time work among women aged 25–59. The results indicate that in the German policy context, part-time working women providing extensive family care have a lower propensity to increase working hours. When family care ends, the likelihood that part-time working women change to full-time does not increase. Homemaking women’s likelihood of entering the workforce is not influenced by either current or previous family care tasks.

Changes in the Provision of Family Care to Frail Older People in Familistic Welfare States: Lessons From Israel and Italy.

Objective: Our article aims to investigate changes in the rate of informal care provision, which occurred in Israel and Italy in the last decade. In addition, we analyze typology and magnitude of the main factors contributing to explain the probability of providing informal care. Method: We used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) at two selected time points (2006/2007 and 2015). Results: The probability of offering social support to elder family members who live outside the household has been trending down substantially over the years. The likelihood of providing unpaid care is significantly higher when one performs volunteer or charitable work and/or engages in leisure activities, and the importance of these two variables has been growing over the years. Discussion: Israel and Italy have experienced over the years a remarkable decline in the share of older adults providing informal care. The article helps to identify which factors have been associated with this phenomenon.

Mothers' Perceptions of the Internet and Social Media as Sources of Parenting and Health Information: Qualitative Study.

BackgroundTraditionally, guidance and support to new parents have come from family, friends, and health care providers. However, the internet and social media are growing sources of guidance and support for parents. Little is known about how the internet and social media are used by parents of young infants and specifically about parental perceptions of the internet and social media as sources of parenting and infant health information.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore, using qualitative methods, parental perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of the internet and social media as sources of parenting and health information regarding their infant.MethodsA total of 28 mothers participated in focus groups or individual interviews. Probing questions concerning parenting and health information sources were asked. Themes were developed in an iterative manner from coded data.ResultsThe central themes were (1) reasons that mothers turn to the internet for parenting and health information, (2) cautionary advice about the internet, and (3) reasons that mothers turn to social media for parenting and health information. Mothers appreciated the ability to gather unlimited information and multiple opinions quickly and anonymously, but recognized the need to use reputable sources of information. Mothers also appreciated the immediacy of affirmation, support, and tailored information available through social media.ConclusionsThe internet and social media are rapidly becoming important and trusted sources of parenting and health information that mothers turn to when making infant care decisions.

Caring power of mothers who have a child with cancer and its predictors

Background: Attention to the family care provider needs and their caring power is essential. Since mothers are considered as the child’s main care provider, this study aimed to determine the caring power and its predictors among mothers of children with cancer. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 196 mothers who had a child with cancer were selected through purposive sampling. The data were collected using two questionnaires, namely demographics questionnaire and the care power of the care providers of cancer patient questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19 and running descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results: The highest average score belonged to dimensions of “effective role play” (44.62 ± 5.28) and “trust” (14 ± 1.67), and the lowest ones respectively belonged to dimensions of “fatigue and resignation” (22.38 ± 6.33), “awareness” (8.46 ± 2.70), and “uncertainty” (12.38 ± 3.50). In addition, variables of educational level (p <0.001), adequacy of family income (p <0.001), and duration of illness (p0.29) were found as predictors of caring power. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the caring power of mothers with a child with cancer is favorable. High trust and effective role-play reduced fatigue and resignation of mothers, and low awareness about the provision of care caused uncertainty affecting negatively the care power. In addition, the adequacy of family income, the high level of mother's education, and the reduction in the duration of the disease had a direct impact on care power.

Development of a psychoeducational intervention for people affected by pancreatic cancer

BackgroundPancreatic cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of any malignancy, placing a substantial burden on patients and families with high unmet informational and supportive care needs. Nevertheless, access to psychosocial and palliative care services for the individuals affected is limited. There is a need for standardized approaches to facilitate adjustment and to improve knowledge about the disease and its anticipated impact. In this intervention-development paper guided by implementation science principles, we report the rationale, methods, and processes employed in developing an interdisciplinary group psychoeducational intervention for people affected by pancreatic cancer. The acceptability and feasibility of implementation will be evaluated as a part of a subsequent feasibility study.MethodsThe Schofield and Chambers framework for designing sustainable self-management interventions in cancer care informed the development of the intervention content and format. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research served as an overarching guide of the implementation process, including the development phase and the formative evaluation plan of implementation.ResultsA representative team of stakeholders collaboratively developed and tailored the intervention content and format with attention to the principles of implementation science, including available resourcing. The final intervention prototype was designed as a single group-session led by an interdisciplinary clinical team with expertise in caring for patients with pancreatic cancer and their families and in addressing nutrition guidelines, disease and symptom management, communication with family and health care providers, family impact of cancer, preparing for the future, and palliative and supportive care services.ConclusionsThe present paper describes the development of a group psychoeducational intervention to address the informational and supportive care needs of people affected by pancreatic cancer. Consideration of implementation science during intervention development efforts can optimize uptake and sustainability in the clinical setting. Our approach may be utilized as a framework for the design and implementation of similar initiatives to support people affected by diseases with limited prognoses.

Home care and end-of-life hospital admissions: a retrospective interview study in English primary and secondary care.

BackgroundEnabling death at home remains an important priority in end-of-life care policy. However, hospital continues to be a more prevalent place of death than home in the UK, with admissions at the end-of-life often negatively labelled. Admissions are frequently attributed to an unsuitable home environment, associated with inadequate family care provision and insufficient professional care delivery.AimTo understand problems in professional and lay care provision that discourage death at home and lead to hospital admissions at the end of life.Design and settingA qualitative study of admission to a large English hospital of patients close to the end of their life.MethodRetrospective in-depth semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (n = 30) and next-of-kin (n = 3) involved in an admission. Interviews addressed why older patients (>65 years) close to the end of life are admitted to hospital. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically.ResultsHome-based end-of-life care appeared precarious. Hospital admission was considered by healthcare staff when there was insufficient nursing provision, or where family support, which was often extensive but under supported, was challenged. In these circumstances, home was not recognised to be a suitable place of care or death, justifying seeking care provision elsewhere.ConclusionChallenges in home care provision led to hospital admissions. Home end-of-life care depended on substantial input from family and professional carers, both of which were under-resourced. Where either care was insufficient to meet the needs of patients, home was no longer deemed to be desirable by healthcare staff and hospital care was sought.

Improving Preoperative Completion of Advanced Care Planning Documents in Patients With Expected Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Stay.

Directed discussion about advanced care planning in the preoperative setting is often lacking. We implemented an educational intervention pilot to increase the number of high-risk patients who have health care proxy and advanced directives documents completed. We developed a novel short video describing the advanced care planning process and the intensive care setting, encouraging patients to have conversations about advanced care planning. Survey results showed that majority of patients felt the intervention increased their knowledge about advanced care planning (65%-70%) and that the video raised some topics worth discussing with family and health care providers. This intervention is scalable and could improve documentation and quality of care.

Syphilis Screening Practices of Family Care Providers

Background The incidence of syphilis has doubled since 2000 and continues to increase. Improving syphilis screening practices is an important factor in controlling the spread. The major predictors of syphilis screening among family care providers were investigated. Methods A cross-sectional pilot survey consisting of 27 questions was administered electronically to 3 major health systems located in central Pennsylvania. The target population consisted of primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. Statistical tests were performed to measure the associations between the predictors and the primary outcome variable of syphilis screening rate. Results Fifty-two surveys were completed and included. There was no significant association between provider type or provider-patient contact time with syphilis screening rate (P > 0.05). A positive relationship between providers who reported having a standard spoken phrase for sexual health queries and syphilis screening rate trended toward significance (P = 0.07). Qualitative data indicated some provider bias in screening patients only when they are symptomatic or during well woman visits. Conclusions Family care providers who have a standard spoken phrase when addressing sexual health are more likely to ask sexual behavior questions and are more likely to screen for syphilis. Biased screening practices are aimed at women, despite higher syphilis prevalence in men, demonstrating a need for increased efforts to educate providers about syphilis, and provide training programs to encourage the assessment of patient risk for exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.

The turn to optional familialism through the market: Long‐term care, cash‐for‐care, and caregiving policies in Europe

AbstractCash‐for‐care (CfC) schemes are monetary transfers to people in need of care who can use them to organize their own care arrangements. Mostly introduced in the 1990s, these schemes combine different policy objectives, as they can aim at (implicitly or explicitly) supporting informal caregivers as well as increasing user choice in long‐term care or even foster the formalization of care relations and the creation of care markets. This article explores from a comparative perspective, how CfC schemes, within broader long‐term care policies, envision, frame, and aim to condition informal care, if different models of relationships between CfC and informal care exist and how these have persisted or changed over time and into which directions. Building on the scholarly debate on familialization vs. defamilialization policies, the paper proposes an analytical framework to investigate the trajectories of seven European countries over a period of 20 years. The results show that, far from being simply instruments of supported familialism, CfC schemes have contributed to a turn towards “optional familialism through the market,” according to which families are encouraged to provide family care and are (directly or indirectly) given alternatives through the provision of market care.

A DELPHI study on aspects of study design to overcome knowledge gaps on the burden of disease caused by serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease

BackgroundValue assessment of vaccination programs against serogroup B invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is on the agenda of public health authorities. Current evidence on the burden due to IMD is unfit for pinning down the nature and magnitude of the full social and economic costs of IMD for two reasons. First, the concepts and components that need to be studied are not agreed, and second, measures of the concepts that have been studied are weak and inconsistent. Thus, the economic evaluation of the available serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines is difficult. The aims of this DELPHI study are to: (1) agree on the concepts and components determining the burden of MenB diseases that need to be studied; and (2) seek consensus on appropriate methods and study designs to measure quality of life (QoL) associated with MenB induced long-term sequelae in future studies.MethodsWe designed a DELPHI questionnaire based on the findings of a recent systematic review on the QoL associated with IMD-induced long-term sequelae, and iteratively interviewed a panel of international experts, including physicians, health economists, and patient representatives. Experts were provided with a controlled feedback based on the results of the previous round.ResultsExperts reached consensus on all questions after two DELPHI rounds. Major gaps in the literature relate (i) to the classification of sequelae, which allows differentiation of severity levels, (ii) to the choice of QoL measures, and (iii) to appropriate data sources to examine long-term changes and deficits in patients’ QoL.ConclusionsBetter conceptualisation of the structure of IMD-specific sequelae and of how their diverse forms of severity might impact the QoL of survivors of IMD as well as their family network and care-providers is needed to generate relevant, reliable and generalisable data on QoL in the future. The results of this DELPHI panel provide useful guidance on how to choose the study design, target population and appropriate QoL measures for future research and hence, help promote the appropriateness and consistency in study methodology and sample characteristics.

An Analysis of Grey Multiattribute Decision-Making Optimization Concerning Gender and Sustainable Environment

Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of the present generation, but does not compromise the satisfaction of future generations’ needs. It emphasizes the concept of needs and constraints. Women’s lack of development is not the result of insufficient involvement in production, but the fact that much of the cost paid by women is ignored and they do not get the rewards and affirmations they deserve. There are also many other factors of uncertainty. Therefore, this study considers that grey multiattribute decision-making refers to when there are factors of uncertain or incomplete information in the process of decision-making, after obtaining the actual decision-making combination effect by calculating the effect of the combination of all possible decision-making elements to select a scheme according to the decision matrix. The research results show that a mixed economic system is the best scheme for women’s economic security. Developing a gender and sustainable environment can be optimized by actively creating new friendly workplace practices, including designing flexible working hours and working environments, promoting multiple vacation schemes, assisting employees in their career development, and providing family care and support services.

‘It’s just a very personal thing’: contraceptive influences and decision making among women living in Italy

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess contraceptive knowledge, perceptions and experiences among reproductive-aged women in Italy. Methods: As part of a larger mixed-methods study, researchers conducted 46 interviews (June–July 2017) with English-speaking women aged 18–45 living in or near Florence, Italy, who were using the Italian health care system. Researchers used grounded theory to explore women’s contraceptive decision making and use. HyperRESEARCH software was used to aid data organisation and analysis. Researchers used a comparative method to contextualise data and identify emergent themes. Results: Participants illuminated knowledge gaps and misinformation about the efficacy and long-term health effects of hormonal contraceptive methods. Family, friends and health care providers influenced their contraceptive choices. Local family planning clinics (consultori) were cited as primary sources of contraceptive information, resources and access. Conclusion: Misinformation may contribute to the underuse of effective hormonal contraception in Italy. The study findings can inform practical recommendations to improve the dissemination of contraceptive information. Improved messaging strategies could address contraceptive concerns (e.g., hormonal effects) and knowledge gaps, which may improve hormonal contraceptive uptake.

Non-hip/non-vertebral fractures – How to treat best?

Fractures of the extremities in the elderly constitute more than two-thirds of all fragility fractures befalling frail, osteoporotic and sarcopenic patients. Although treatment controversies abound, consensus exists. Upper extremity fractures hinder activities of daily living and are debilitating. Open fractures or displaced fractures will need surgical intervention. Wrist fractures treated operatively allow early use of the hand. Most pelvic fractures are treated conservatively. In the lower extremities, fractures of the long bones, tibia and femur need surgical intervention. Non-displaced fractures around the foot may be treated with immobilisation and avoidance of full weight-bearing. As a rule, fractures take four months for consolidation. Individually tailored solutions are needed for frail patients with comorbidities. Maintaining joint mobility and muscle strength preserves mobility and autonomy. Caring for extremities trauma is team work, involving family and health care providers. Prevention efforts are mandatory.

Healthcare professionals and volunteers education in palliative care to promote the best practice-an integrative review.

Family caregivers' empowerment can assume strategic importance in palliative care. Healthcare professionals and volunteers have been showing significant gaps in this field. Hence, education has been advocated as an effective strategy to fill this gap. While several educational initiatives exist, a comprehensive evidence synthesis on the effectiveness of educational training on healthcare professionals and volunteers is lacking. An integrative review was conducted to explore worldwide initiatives, aiming to improve healthcare professionals and volunteers' competence in a palliative care setting especially in relation to the family caregiver. A scoping literature review was conducted with systematic searches in multiple databases - REDALYC, CINAHL, SCIELO, EBSCO, ERIC and MEDLINE since January 2012. Studies were selected based on programmes content and its impact evaluation. Four researchers assessed the studies regarding their eligibility with reference to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria. Multi-professional learning was reported, emphasising nurses and physician's enrolment. Only few studies showed participants' learning outcomes. Inconsistencies in delivery mode and duration were identified. Impact evaluations were heterogeneous and relied on no validated instruments. Family caregiver's content was addressed only in three initiatives. Further research is needed using a more reliable design, mode of delivery and impact measurement of educational training. In addition, more initiatives associated with cost-effectiveness, shorter- and longer-term clinical impact are needed. Despite the strides already made towards the establishment of an evidence base for healthcare professionals in the field of palliative care, either greater consideration is required for family care providers in the education of healthcare professionals and respect for the cultural diversity.

Cultural Conception of ‘eniyan l’aso mi’ and the Changing Roles of Family in Social Production of Care for the Elderly in Yoruba Setting

Yoruba conception of “eniyan l’aso mi” meaning “humans are my clothing” represents the deep cultural belief in the importance of having reliable people for support whenever needed. Social production of care is production and distribution of roles and responsibilities in caregiving. Individual household members care for their relatives differently. While this concept of eniyan l’aso mi influences social relationship generally in the Yoruba society it is not clear how this will translate to social production of care for the elderly. Considering the changes in social realities of the elderlies and their families, this study, examined, family care provision for the elderlies living with chronic conditions. Using Symbolic Interactionism and Role Theory for the theoretical analysis, data were generated on familial support for elderly living with diabetes mellitus/cardiovascular diseases. Twenty-four In-Depth Interviews and Twelve Key Informant Interviews were conducted among elderlies and their caregivers selected from the community and Old People’s Home. The generated data was content-analyzed in line with the thematic of the study. Change in residential pattern, rising cost of living, children’s late entrance into marital/family life and disintegration of familial bond were observed factors influencing familial care of the elderly. Furthermore, children were found to be the most reliable source of family support for these elderly; familial support was not only found to be preferred to other sources of support, it was also found to be positively associated with aged quality of life. Although familial support is a key determinant of chronically ill elderlies’ quality of life, measures guaranteeing elderly access to care must be put in place.

Prevalence of oropharyngeal group B Streptococcus colonization in mothers, family, and health care providers.

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and serotype of oropharyngeal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) colonization of mothers, their family & friends, and health care providers of recently delivered patients as a potential reservoir of neonatal exposure to GBS.MethodsThis is a prospective, single-center observational study of: (1) patients, (2) their family and friends, and (3) health care providers all of whom may come in close contact with neonates. Oropharyngeal GBS colonization and serotype was determined.ResultsThree hundred and seventy three samples were collected. The prevalence of oropharyngeal GBS colonization among all study participants was 23.1% (N = 86). The most commonly found serotypes were 1b (12.8%, N = 11), III (27.9%, N = 24), and V (17.4%, N = 15). The prevalence of oropharyngeal GBS colonization among mothers was 26% (N = 31/121), 22% (N = 39/178) in family and friends, and 21.6% (N = 16/74) in health care providers.ConclusionGroup B Streptococcus colonizes the oropharynx in 1 in 5 mothers, family and friends, and health care providers who come in direct contact with neonates. Further research is needed to determine if this potential reservoir for neonatal exposure could lead to early or late onset neonatal GBS colonization or infection.