Publications
Ongoing & Current Research Publications
Publications on Google Scholar
Randomized Trial of Group Postpartum Care Model Improves Knowledge and Clinical Outcomes.
Adams, Y.J., Agbenyo, J.S, Lau, E., Young, J., & Haas, D. (2025)
We developed and tested a novel, integrated model of group postpartum care titled Focused-Postpartum Care (Focused-PPC) to improve outcomes. In this paper, we report clinical outcomes of participants in the intervention arm and differences in knowledge of postbirth warning signs among those in the intervention and control arms.
Postpartum care needs assessment: women’s understanding of postpartum care, practices, barriers, and educational needs
Adams, Y.J., Miller, M., Agbenyo, J., Ehla, E., Clinton, G. (2023)
Complications in the postpartum period pose substantial risks to women and can result in significant maternal morbidity and mortality. However, there is much less attention on postpartum care compared to pregnancy and childbirth. The goal of this study was to gather information on women’s knowledge of postpartum care and complications, recovery practices after childbirth, perceived barriers to receiving care during the postpartum period, and educational needs in four health centers. The findings can inform the development of appropriate curriculum and interventions for postnatal care education in similar settings.
Knowledge of Postbirth Warning Signs and Postpartum Education Among Women in Ghana
Adams, Y.J., Ray, H.E., Sladek, L., & Amason, J. (2023)
To assess the relationship between postpartum education and knowledge of postbirth warning signs among women in Ghana, we collected data from surveys distributed in the hospital. The survey included items for sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, postpartum education provided, and knowledge of nine common postbirth warning signs. We used descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models to analyze the data.
Knowledge of immediate newborn care and management of complications among midwives in Ghana
Adams, Y.J., Ray, H.E., Sladek L., & Amason, J. (2023)
Midwives are instrumental in improving maternal/newborn health outcomes. Since complications after childbirth are leading causes of maternal deaths, midwives’ knowledge of how to manage complications and care for the newborn is important. This study assessed midwives’ knowledge of immediate newborn care and management of postpartum complications.
Perceptions of postpartum teaching and knowledge of warning signs among Black mothers
Adams, Y.J., & Young, J. (2022)
The postpartum period is the time of highest risk for maternal death. Quality postpartum education is important to minimize risk. We assessed the postpartum education given to Black mothers on post-birth warning signs by conducting a cross-sectional survey of 80 Black women who had given birth in the previous 12 months.
A descriptive, cross‑sectional study of postpartum education: midwives’ self‑reported knowledge and teaching of postpartum complications in Ghana
Adams, Y.J., & Sladek, L. (2022)
Obstetric complications remain the leading causes of maternal deaths. Since it is not always possible to ascertain which women will develop complications and which women will not, all women who have a baby should be educated about warning signs of complications. In this study, we assessed postpartum education provided by midwives, midwives’ knowledge to teach patients about complications and their skills to manage postpartum complications.
Knowledge of postpartum care and postbirth warning signs among midwives in Ghana
Adams, Y.J. & Ray, H. (2019)
In Ghana, midwives are the primary maternity care practitioners. Their knowledge of postpartum care is critical for preventing and reducing maternal deaths because it affects the quality of care provided to women. In addition, midwives’ knowledge of postbirth warning signs is important for early identification and management of complications. This study assessed midwives’ knowledge of postpartum care and postbirth warning signs to develop interventions to improve patient care.
Husbands’ knowledge and attendance at wives’ postpartum care among rural farmers
Adams, Y.J., Stommel, M., Ayoola, A.B., Horodynski, M., Malata, A., & Smith, B.A. (2018)
We examined husbands’ knowledge and attendance at their wives’ postpartum visit in a sample of rural husband-and-wife farmer dyads in central Malawi. A cross-sectional matched-pairs survey of 70 husband-and-wife farmer dyads, who lived in rural communities in Ntcheu district, and had a live birth in the past year was conducted.
Integrative review of factors that affect the use of postpartum care services in developing countries
Adams, Y.J., & Smith, B.A. (2018)
To develop effective interventions to decrease postpartum mortality in developing countries, it is critical to identify the major factors that affect the use of postpartum care services. Systematic and integrative reviews are first steps in the provision of information about barriers women face in seeking and receiving postpartum care.
Use and evaluation of postpartum care services in rural Malawi
Adams, Y.J., Stommel, M., Ayoola, A.B., Horodynski, M., Malata, A., & Smith, B.A. (2016)
The purpose of this study was to examine women's evaluation of postpartum care services (postpartum clinical assessments, health education, and midwife kindness) received from midwives prior to discharge in rural health facilities, and to examine husband-and-wife-farmer dyads’ reasons for their decisions to return or not return for 1-week postpartum care visits in rural central Malawi.