Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
14:43
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
PREPARE: Pregnancy Research on European Women's Preterm Birth Awareness, Risk, and Education
Gian Carlo Di Renzo1,2, Silke Mader3, Eleonora Brillo4
1PREIS International School, Firenze, Italy.
Women'S Health Reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Women
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Public Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Preterm birth (PTB) is a leading cause of neonatal mortality globally.
- Limited understanding of women's awareness and knowledge of PTB in Europe.
- Effective PTB prevention relies on informed pregnant individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess pregnant women's self-appraised awareness of PTB.
- Evaluate recall of PTB themes discussed with healthcare professionals (HCPs).
- Determine perception of personal PTB risk and recognition-based knowledge.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, web-based survey of 247 pregnant women in five European countries.
- Participants were 12-32 weeks gestation.
- Analyses stratified by country and PTB risk.
Main Results:
- 44.9% of women were classified at higher PTB risk.
- 35.1% of high-risk women (with prior PTB) did not recognize their increased risk.
- Recall and knowledge scores regarding PTB were low across risk strata and countries.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists between perceived and retained actionable PTB knowledge.
- Healthcare professionals should utilize evidence-based methods like teach-back for PTB education.
- Enhanced PTB knowledge empowers women in prevention, monitoring, and care.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:30Preventive Healthcare Services
Preventive healthcare services keep people healthy via frequent check-ups, screening, and counseling. They primarily aid in disease prevention rather than treating an acute or chronic illness. Preventive treatment also keeps individuals productive and energetic, allowing them to work well into their retirement years. Examples of preventive care services include:
01:52Regression Toward the Mean
Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...