Maternal Multimorbidity and Pregnancy Outcomes

Overview: Chronic conditions like diabetes and depression affect half of adults. Multimorbidity, or the co-occurrence of multiple chronic conditions in an individual, is a growing public health concern. Nearly 20% of reproductive-aged women have multimorbidity. However, research and health care tend to focus on single chronic conditions rather than the combined effects of multiple chronic conditions. The goal of this research is to examine the maternal and newborn health outcomes and pregnancy care experiences of women with multimorbidity. Our data will provide evidence needed to develop multidisciplinary, person-centred models of pregnancy care that address multimorbidity.

Funding:

  • Impact of maternal multimorbidity on pregnancy outcomes. Canadian Institutes of Health Research Operating Grant: Data Analysis Using Existing Databases and Cohorts, 2023-2024. Nominated Principal Investigator: Brown HK. Co-Principal Investigator: Ray JG. Co-Investigators: Cohen E, Dennis CL, Grandi S, Rosella LC, Varner C, Vigod SN, Wodchis W.
  • Pregnancy outcomes and care of women with physical-mental multimorbidity. Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Scheme Grant, 2023-2027. Nominated Principal Investigator: Brown HK. Co-Principal Investigators: Ray JG, Vigod SN. Co-Investigators: Campbell K, Cohen E, Darling E, Dennis CL, Grandi S, Rosella L, Varner C, Wodchis W.

Research summaries:

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Maternal Disability and Pregnancy Outcomes

Overview: With increased recognition of the reproductive rights of people with disabilities, fertility rates among women with disabilities are rising. Women with disabilities experience pervasive social and health inequalities and report being overlooked and under-served in reproductive health care settings. The aim of this research is to examine the pregnancy-related physical and mental health outcomes and health care experiences of women with physical, sensory, and developmental disabilities. Results will inform the development of accessible, inclusive programs and services to support women with disabilities in pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Funding:

  • Pregnancy in women with disabilities: Using novel methods to characterize risk. National Institutes of Health R01 Grant, 2017-2021. Nominated Principal Investigator: Brown HK. Co-Principal Investigator: Lunsky Y. Co-Investigators: Guttmann A, Havercamp S, Parish S, Ray J, Vigod S.
  • Traumatic brain injury and perinatal mental health outcomes. Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Scheme Grant, 2020-2023. Nominated Principal Investigator: Brown HK. Co-Principal Investigator: Vigod SN. Co-Investigators: Cohen E, Colantonio A, Chan V, Mollayeva T, Ray J, Saunders N, Sutradhar R.

Research Summaries: You can use the links below to read and download study reports and Snapshots, 2-page easy-read summaries of our findings.

 

Maternal Disability and Child Health Outcomes

Overview: Preventive care is critical for child health and development. Well-child visits, the primary vehicle for preventive care delivery, offer opportunities for providers to do physical exams, assess development, give immunizations, and connect families with resources. Yet, even in universal health systems, some families experience barriers accessing child preventive care. The goal of this research is to examine access to preventive care in children of women with disabilities. Our data will provide evidence needed to inform family-centred pediatric health care approaches that consider not just the access needs of the child but also those of the parents.

Funding:

  • Infants born to women with disabilities: Health and health care. Canadian Institutes of Health Research New Investigator Grant in Maternal, Reproductive, Child and Youth Health, 2017-2020. Principal Investigator: Brown HK. Co-Investigators: Guttmann A, Lunsky Y, Ray J, Vigod S.
  • Maternal disability and child preventive health care: Supporting family-centred care. Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Scheme Grant, 2022-2026. Principal Investigator: Brown HK. Co-Investigators: Cohen E, Gemmill M, Guttmann A, Lunsky Y, Pituch E, Saunders N, Telner D, Vigod SN, Zwicker J.

Research summaries:

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Disability and Reproductive Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview: One in five Canadians 15 years of age and older have a disability. Disabled women face important social, health, and health care disparities, including disparities in reproductive health. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on reproductive health globally, but the experiences of women with disabilities have not been examined. The goal of this research is to examine the impact of COVID-19 on reproductive health among women with disabilities. This research will result in evidence to ensure the pandemic response/recovery plan includes an equitable, inclusive approach to reproductive health.

Funding:

  • Impact of COVID-19 on women and girls with disabilities in Canada: A life course perspective. Canadian Institutes of Health Research Operating Grant: Emerging COVID-19 Research Gaps & Priorities, 2021-2022. Principal Investigator: Brown HK. Principal Knowledge Users: Brayton B, Abbas J, Alimi S for DAWN Canada. Co-Investigators: Barker L, Berndl A, Du Mont J, Lunsky Y, McPherson A, Tarasoff L, Vandermorris A.

Research summaries:

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Maternal Chronic Conditions and Perinatal Mental Health

Overview: With the increasing prevalence of advanced maternal age and obesity, more women are entering pregnancy with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. In the general population, evidence suggests chronic disease is associated with increased risk of mental illness, due to factors such as stress and chronic inflammation. However, the impact of chronic conditions on perinatal mental health has rarely been examined. The aim of this research is to examine the impact of chronic conditions on the risk of perinatal mental illness. Results will inform the development of targeted strategies to promote mental health among high-risk women.

Funding:

  • Chronic medical conditions and perinatal mental illness. Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Scheme Grant, 2017-2019. Principal Investigator: Brown HK. Co-Investigators: Dennis CL, Guttmann A, Vigod S, Ray J.
  • Maternal diabetes and perinatal mental illness: A population-based cohort study. Connaught New Researcher Award, 2017-2019. Principal Investigator: Brown HK. 

Research summaries:

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Preconception Health

Overview: Preconception health impacts perinatal outcomes. However, many women and men are not in good health at conception. Since 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, interventions aimed at promoting health before pregnancy are critical. The interconception period after a first pregnancy may be an opportune time for intervention since many women are already connected with public health programs and most go on to have a second pregnancy. This research evaluated the feasibility of an interconception intervention delivered by public health nurses. Results will inform the development of interventions to prevent adverse perinatal health outcomes.

Funding:

  • Pilot randomized controlled trial of an interconception intervention delivered by public health nurses to improve reproductive and perinatal outcomes. Women’s Xchange 15K Challenge Grant, 2017-2018. Principal Investigator: Brown HK. Co-Investigators: Dennis CL, Graves L, Mill C, Telner D.

Research summaries:

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