Perceived Benefit of Midwifery-Led Intervention and Its Association with Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes: A Statistical Analysis

Abstract

Background. Midwifery-led models of care have been demonstrated to optimize maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Yet, women's perceptions of such models might impact their effectiveness and may be varied based on their clinical experience. This research explores what determines demographic, clinical, and socio-economic influences on perceptions of midwifery-led models of care and whether such perceptions match true maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods. Cross-sectional data were obtained in 500 women undergoing midwifery-led antenatal and intrapartum care. Participants were divided into three categories based on self-reported perception: Not Helpful (n = 178), somewhat Helpful (n = 164), and Very Helpful (n = 158). Demographic factors, clinical markers, neonatal complications, and maternal postpartum outcomes were recorded. Chi-square tests were employed in categorical variables, and ANOVA was employed to determine differences in continuous variables by perception groups.
Results. No associations of significance were discovered between demographic factors including age, education, BMI, income, or occupation and perception of midwifery-led care (p > 0.05). However, clinical outcomes had a significant impact. Negative neonatal outcomes, i.e., preterm birth (p = 0.03) and respiratory distress (p < 0.05), were attributed to more negative expectations. Likewise, maternal complications in the form of postpartum haemorrhage (p = 0.04) and postpartum exhaustion (p = 0.06) were attributed to lower confidence in midwifery-led care. Mode of delivery had no correlation (p = 0.45).

Conclusion. Clinical outcomes, not demographic or socio-economic variables, influence women's attitudes towards midwifery-led care. Fostering improved communication, patient education, and emergency preparedness could contribute to establishing trust and enhancing acceptance of this model