Addressing Known hypertensive disOrders of pregnancy in woMen of African descent in Canada (AKOMA): protocol for a mixed method study.

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) predispose a woman to maternity-related cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited literature on HDP among women of African descent in Canada.

Methods And Design: A convergent mixed-method study will be used to investigate the intersection of self-reported HDP risks in women of African descent in Canada with a history of a HDP (quantitative, cross-sectional survey) and explore the perception and experiences of women of African descent living in Canada with a history of a HDP in relation to the intersection of risk factors (critical qualitative inquiry, interviews).

Developing a question prompt tool to prevent and manage early cardiovascular disease after hypertensive pregnancy: qualitative interviews with women and clinicians.

Background: Persons (henceforth, women) who have hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). While largely preventable through lifestyle management, many women and clinicians are unaware of the risk. Based on prior research, we developed a question prompt tool (QPT) on preventing and managing CVD after HDP.

Evaluation of a Question Prompt List About Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Prevention After Hypertensive Pregnancy: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to pilot test a question prompt list (QPL) about cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction after hypertensive pregnancy (HDP).

Methods: In a prospective cohort study of adult women who had HDP given the QPL before and surveyed after a physician visit, we assessed perceived person-centred care, self-efficacy for self-management, perceived self-management and QPL feasibility.

Results: Twenty-three women participated: 57% of diverse ethno-cultural groups, 65% < 40 years of age and 48% immigrants.

Population-level changes in perinatal death for pregnancies prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pregnancy cohort analysis.

Background: Results of population-level studies examining the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the risks of perinatal death have varied considerably.

Objectives: To explore trends in the risk of perinatal death among pregnancies beginning prior to and during the pandemic using a pregnancy cohort approach.

Methods: This secondary analysis included data from singleton pregnancies ≥20 weeks' gestation in Alberta, Canada, beginning between 5 March 2017 and 4 March 2021.

Lower achievement of guideline recommended care in Canadian adults with early-onset diabetes: A population-based cohort study.

Aims: Adults with early-onset diabetes (age < 40 years) have an increased risk of complications, and it is unclear whether they are receiving guideline recommended care. We compared the frequency and results of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing in adults with early-onset and usual-onset diabetes and assessed factors related to guideline concordance.

Methods: Population-level databases from Alberta, Canada (∼4.

Perceptions of diabetes distress during pregnancy in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes: a qualitative interpretive description study.

Background: Diabetes distress is commonly seen in adults with pre-existing diabetes and is associated with worsened glycemic management and self-management practices. While a majority of women report increased stress during pregnancy, it is unknown how women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes experience diabetes distress during this unique and transitional time.

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the experiences and perceptions of diabetes distress in women with pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy.

The Examination and Exploration of Diabetes Distress in Pre-existing Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Mixed-methods Study.

Objectives: Diabetes distress (DD) has been understudied in the pregnancy population. Pregnancy is known to be a complex, highly stressful time for women with diabetes because of medical risks and the high burden of diabetes management. Our aim in this study was to explain and understand DD in women with pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy.

Women's Knowledge of Future Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Complications of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

Background: Several common pregnancy conditions significantly increase a woman's risk of future cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Patient education and interventions aimed at awareness and self-management of cardiovascular risk factors may help modify future cardiovascular risk. The aim of this systematic review was to examine education interventions for cardiovascular risk after pregnancy, clinical measures/scales, and knowledge outcomes in published qualitative and quantitative studies.

The Canadian Women's Heart Health Alliance ATLAS on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cardiovascular Disease in Women - Chapter 7: Sex, Gender, and the Social Determinants of Health.

Women vs men have major differences in terms of risk-factor profiles, social and environmental factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Women are more likely than men to experience health issues that are complex and multifactorial, often relating to disparities in access to care, risk-factor prevalence, sex-based biological differences, gender-related factors, and sociocultural factors. Furthermore, awareness of the intersectional nature and relationship of sociocultural determinants of health, including sex and gender factors, that influence access to care and health outcomes for women with cardiovascular disease remains elusive.

Nutrition Interventions for Lowering Cardiovascular Risk After Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review.

Background: Hypertension is one of the most common medical problems during pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) increase the risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) 2- to 4-fold within 10 years after delivery. Early health behaviour modifications may prevent or manage several cardiovascular risk factors.

A Scoping Review of Risk Factors of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in Black Women Living in High-Income Countries: An Intersectional Approach.

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are maternity-related increases in blood pressure (eg, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia). Compared with women of other races in high-income countries, Black women have a comparatively higher risk of an HDP. Intersectionality helps to provide a deeper understanding of the multifactorial identities that affect health outcomes in this high-risk population.

Supporting self-management in women with pre-existing diabetes in pregnancy: a mixed-methods sequential comparative case study.

Introduction: Maternal glycemia is associated with pregnancy outcomes. Thus, supporting the self-management experiences and preferences of pregnant women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes is crucial to optimize glucose control and perinatal outcomes.

Research Design And Methods: This paper describes the mixed methods integration of a sequential comparative case study.

Despite Increased Disease Activity, Women who Attended a Dedicated Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Pregnancy Clinic Had Infants With Higher Apgar Scores: A Population-Based Study.

Background: Attendance at a subspecialty pregnancy clinic for women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) improves disease-specific pregnancy knowledge. We examined the impact of attendance at a dedicated IBD-pregnancy clinic on IBD and perinatal outcomes.

Methods: Using linked administrative databases in Alberta, Canada (2012-2019), we identified 1061 pregnant women with IBD who delivered singleton liveborn infants in-hospital who did (n = 314) and did not attend (n = 747) the clinic.

Patient Perspectives on a Pilot Virtual Follow-up Program After Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) are a risk factor for future cardiovascular disease; therefore, follow-up and implementation of early interventions is recommended. We performed a qualitative study to assess the feasibility and user response to a mobile-health tool and virtual consultation aimed at educating people with an HDP on future cardiovascular risk, and at better understanding patients' priorities for postpartum care.

Methods: Participants with a history of an HDP in the past 5 years had access to an online educational tool and participated in a virtual consultation to discuss their cardiovascular risks after experiencing an HDP.

Association Between the Route of Administration and Formulation of Estrogen Therapy and Hypertension Risk in Postmenopausal Women: A Prospective Population-Based Study.

Background: Hypertension is the leading global cause of cardiovascular disease and premature mortality in women. The effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) on blood pressure are uncertain but may be related to route of estrogen administration and formulation of estrogen. We sought to determine the association between route of administration and formulation of estrogen HT and hypertension risk in postmenopausal women.

Trends and Self-Management Predictors of Glycemic Control During Pregnancy in Women With Preexisting Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes: A Cohort Study.

Background: Because much of diabetes management during pregnancy occurs at home, self-management factors such as self-efficacy, self-care activities, and care satisfaction may affect glycemia. Our objective was to explore trends in glycemic control during pregnancy in women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes; assess self-efficacy, self-care, and care satisfaction; and examine these factors as predictors of glycemic control.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study from April 2014 to November 2019 at a tertiary center in Ontario, Canada.

Understanding the self-management experiences and support needs during pregnancy among women with pre-existing diabetes: a qualitative descriptive study.

Background: With the increasing prevalence of pre-existing type 1 and type 2 diabetes in pregnancy and their associated perinatal risks, there is a need to focus on interventions to achieve optimal maternal glycemia to improve pregnancy outcomes. One strategy focuses on improving diabetes self-management education and support for expectant mothers with diabetes. This study's objective is to describe the experience of managing diabetes during pregnancy and identify the diabetes self-management education and support needs during pregnancy among women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in pregnancy: a cross-sectional, community-based survey.

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and pregnancy.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: International.

Breastfeeding difficulties in the first 6 weeks postpartum among mothers with chronic conditions: a latent class analysis.

Background: Breastfeeding difficulties frequently exacerbate one another and are common reasons for curtailed breastfeeding. Women with chronic conditions are at high risk of early breastfeeding cessation, yet limited evidence exists on the breastfeeding difficulties that co-occur in these mothers. The objective of this study was to explore clusters of breastfeeding difficulties experienced up to 6 weeks postpartum among mothers with chronic conditions and to examine associations between chronic condition types and breastfeeding difficulty clusters.

Maternal Health Outcomes After Pregnancy-Associated Stroke: A Population-Based Study With 19 Years of Follow-Up.

Background: Pregnancy-associated stroke carries high short-term morbidity and mortality, but data on subsequent maternal outcomes are limited. We evaluated long-term maternal health outcomes after pregnancy-associated stroke.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used administrative data to identify pregnant adults aged ≤49 years with stroke between 2002-2020 in Ontario, Canada and 2 comparison groups: (1) non-pregnant female patients with stroke and (2) pregnant patients without stroke.