Holistic antenatal education class interventions

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Barrett NM et al.

September 21, 2022

Summary:

A systematic review has highlighted the low consideration afforded to the antenatal health needs and aspirations of Indigenous people in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States. A total of 17 primary research papers on antenatal education classes in these countries, published between 2008 and 2018, were identified from a search of 5 electronic databases. Only 2 studies identified Indigenous participants, and in those studies, Indigenous participants were underrepresented. It was therefore not possible to understand the antenatal experiences of Indigenous people. The study authors stated that targeted Indigenous interventions considering culture, language and wider aspects of holistic health must be prioritised to address the antenatal health inequities of Indigenous people.

Comment:

Disappointing yet not surprising that only 2 of the 17 studies included Indigenous participants. The authors make other important points here – on the importance of quality ethnicity data, Indigenous knowledge and holistic approaches to wellbeing. I encourage readers, particularly students commencing systematic reviews, to look at the full article.

Reference: Arch Public Health. 2022;80:169.

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.