Evaluation of a Prenatal Care Trial in Rural China
Author Information
Author(s): Wu Zhuochun, Viisainen Kirsi, Wang Ying, Hemminki Elina
Primary Institution: School of Public Health, Fudan University
Hypothesis
Can a community-based randomized controlled trial improve the utilization of prenatal care and perinatal outcomes in rural China?
Conclusion
The trial could not be fully implemented as planned, and there was no significant difference in perinatal outcomes between the intervention and control groups.
Supporting Evidence
- Implementation of the intervention was deficient due to various factors.
- There was little difference in maternal care utilization between intervention and control groups.
- Most women were satisfied with the maternal care provided.
Takeaway
The study tried to help pregnant women in rural China get better care, but it didn't work as well as hoped because of many challenges.
Methodology
A community-based randomized controlled trial was conducted in 20 townships, with interventions including training midwives and informing women about prenatal care.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to contamination from overlapping maternal care programs in control townships.
Limitations
The trial was affected by poor cooperation between health and family planning sectors, and contamination between intervention and control groups.
Participant Demographics
Most participants were farmers, aged 20-34, with a majority being first-time mothers.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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