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Publication
The relationship between healthcare satisfaction after miscarriage and perinatal grief symptoms: a cross-sectional study on Portugal residents
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Objective: 15–20% of identified pregnancies result in miscarriage, which may lead to persistent symptoms of
psychological morbidities in some women. Healthcare satisfaction is among the factors believed to influence such
negative psychological responses. Here, we present the results of a study conducted in Portugal that analyzes the
relationship between healthcare satisfaction, information and support provision and perinatal grief symptoms.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study, symptoms of perinatal grief, degree of satisfaction with healthcare received,
and information and support provision data were collected through an online survey aimed at women in Portugal
who suffered a miscarriage. 873 were considered eligible. Correlations were performed between perinatal grief
scores and healthcare satisfaction rates. Finally, the proportions of information and support received were
compared after distributing the sample in groups according to their perinatal grief levels.
Results: Healthcare satisfaction correlated significantly with perinatal grief scores, the latter increasing as
satisfaction levels decreased. 61.1% of our sample received information about the physical consequences of
miscarriage and showed a significantly lower rate of above-threshold perinatal grief symptoms in this group.
18.2% received information about its mental health consequences, with no significant differences in above threshold symptom rates. 11.7% were offered or recommended mental health support, but no significant dif ferences in above-threshold symptom rates were found.
Conclusion: Healthcare satisfaction and information on after-miscarriage physical changes correlated significantly
with reduced perinatal grief rates after miscarriage. However, any effects of mental health information and
psychological support provision need further studies. Training for healthcare providers dealing with pregnancy
loss, implementing national guidelines that include follow-up on the parents’ physical and psychological health,
and including a specialized area in medical structures are advised.
Description
Keywords
Miscarriage Perinatal grief Healthcare satisfaction Healthcare providers . Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e da Engenharia
Citation
Mendes, D. C., Fonseca, A., & Cameirão, M. S. (2024). The relationship between healthcare satisfaction after miscarriage and perinatal grief symptoms: A cross-sectional study on Portugal residents. Social Science & Medicine, 353, 117037.
Publisher
Elsevier