Interventions are needed to reduce poor perinatal health. We trained community health workers as home visitors to address maternal/infant risks.
In a cluster randomised controlled trial in Cape Town townships, neighbourhoods were randomised within matched pairs to 1) the control, healthcare at clinics , or 2) a home visiting intervention by CBW trained in cognitive-behavioural strategies to address health risks (by the Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Programme), in addition to clinic care. The Philani Mentor Mothers Project aims to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable pregnant mothers and infants from low-income households, through a strategy of home visits by specially trained para-professional “mentor mothers”.
Participants were assessed during pregnancy (2% refusal) and 92% were reassessed at two weeks post-birth, 88% at six months and 84% at 18 months later. We analysed 32 measures of maternal/infant well-being over the 18 month follow-up period using longitudinal random effects regressions. A binomial test for correlated outcomes evaluated overall effectiveness over time. The 18 month post-birth assessment outcomes also were examined alone and as a function of the number of home visits received.
Authors: Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus, PhD (Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California at Los Angeles), Mark Tomlinson, PhD, (Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, Stellenbosch, South Africa), Ingrid Le Roux, MD, (Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Programme, Elonwabeni, Cape Town, South Africa), Jessica Harwood (Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California at Los Angeles), Scott Comulada (Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California at Los Angeles), Mary O’Connor (Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California at Los Angeles), Robert Weiss and Carol Worthman (Department of Anthropology, Emory University, Atlanta, USA).
To access the full report, please contact svetlana@ilifalabantwana.co.za or markt@sun.ac.za.
