Understanding Why Some Women Drop Out of Prenatal Care
Author Information
Author(s): Suzanne C Tough, Jodi E Siever, David W Johnston
Primary Institution: University of Calgary
Hypothesis
What characteristics are associated with women dropping out of a prenatal care randomized controlled trial?
Conclusion
Women at risk due to lifestyle and challenging circumstances were difficult to retain in a prenatal care study, regardless of the intervention.
Supporting Evidence
- Completion rates did not differ by intervention.
- Non-responders were more likely to be younger, less educated, and have lower incomes.
- Non-Caucasian women were more likely to drop out.
Takeaway
Some pregnant women have a hard time sticking with prenatal care because of their life situations, like being young or having low income.
Methodology
Pregnant women were randomized into three groups and completed three telephone interviews regarding demographics and lifestyle factors.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to non-responders possibly being more similar to responders.
Limitations
The study could not determine who completed the intervention program but did not complete the study interviews.
Participant Demographics
Participants included pregnant women from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on those at low medical risk.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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