The relationships between social support, birth outcome, and public health nursing visits in a defined high-risk population
Embargo Date
Indefinite
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among social support, birth outcome, and timing and frequency of public health nursing (PHN) visits. This was a retrospective, descriptive study. Social support theory was used as the theoretical framework. The sample consisted of 124 clients referred for PHN visits in a community-based prenatal program in the Boston area.
Data were abstracted on risk factors associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, PHN visits, and birth outcomes from each subject's record and were compared to the program's overall target population. Two research questions were addressed: 1) in a given population identified with very weak social support, what is their birth outcome? and 2) in this population, what is the relationship between timing and frequency of PHN visits with type of birth outcome?
The birth outcomes for this sample were similar to the program's target area with respect to birthweight rates. The estimated neonatal mortality rate for the sample, 24 deaths per 1000 live births (based on 3 neonatal deaths per 1000 live births in 1987) was higher than that reported for the target population in 1985 (13.8 per 1000 live births), the year the most recent data were available for comparison. The two groups differed with respect to various risk factors which have been associated with adverse birth outcomes.
No significant associations were found between timing and frequency of PHN visits and birth outcome. The evaluation of social support is a primary role of the PHN nurse. Low birthweight continues to contribute to both infant mortality rates and to the high cost of medical care for surviving infants. The role of the PHN in assessing risk and providing education and counseling services is a valuable intervention with high-risk populations and warrants further research.
Description
Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University
License
PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you.