Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.7
2.7
Journals
Healthcare
Special Issues
Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition...
share announcement

Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 29 April 2027 | Viewed by 5323

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Georgios Iatrakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: gynecology; oncology; obstetrics; endocrinology; pharmacology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Kokkinari Artemisia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: maternal health; midwifery care; prenatal nutrition; women's health; health promotion

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue seeks to offer an integrative, multidisciplinary exploration of women’s and maternal health within the broader context of evolving health systems and global public health priorities. While emphasizing prevention, nutritional care, and midwifery-led practices, it also aims to critically examine how structural, policy, and sociocultural determinants shape access, quality, and equity in maternal care.

We particularly welcome contributions that interrogate persistent challenges—such as fragmented care pathways, the underutilization of evidence-based interventions, and policy inertia—and propose forward-thinking solutions informed by health systems research, implementation science, and intersectional theory.

Key areas of interest include the following:

  • Nutritional status and micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, iron, and folate) during pregnancy and postpartum;
  • Preventive and promotive strategies for women of reproductive age across different health systems;
  • Midwifery-led care models: innovations, challenges to traditional hierarchies, and integration into interdisciplinary teams;
  • Mental health and psychosocial support in the perinatal period;
  • Impact of structural and social determinants (e.g., education, income, migration status, and gender norms) on maternal and neonatal outcomes;
  • Use of digital health technologies and telemonitoring in pregnancy and postpartum care;
  • Climate-related and environmental risks to reproductive and maternal health;
  • Community-based care, participatory approaches, and culturally responsive practices;
  • Comparative health policy, health economics, and anthropological perspectives on maternal health;
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations across public health, obstetrics, midwifery, nutrition, mental health, and the social sciences.

This Special Issue invites empirical research, critical reviews, policy analyses, and case studies from diverse global contexts, particularly those addressing intersectional and systemic approaches to maternal health equity.

Prof. Dr. Georgios Iatrakis
Guest Editor

Dr. Kokkinari Artemisia
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • maternal health
  • women’s health
  • midwifery
  • nutrition
  • health systems
  • prevention
  • pregnancy
  • postpartum
  • social determinants
  • policy barriers
  • health equity
  • antenatal care
  • digital health
  • climate and health
  • interdisciplinary research

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

14 pages, 247 KB  
Article
General Self-Efficacy Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Units in Tunisia and Its Association with Family Quality of Life: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
by Maha Dardouri, Fatma Korbi, Hajer I. Motakef, Hamdi Lamine, Shaima Mohammed Nageeb, Bushra Alshammari, Sihem Chahed, Martin Rusnák and Imen Ayouni
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3069; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233069 - 26 Nov 2025
Viewed by 965
Abstract
Background/Objectives: General-self efficacy (GSE) is a substantial element during pregnancy that promotes healthy decision-making and prevents complications. Information on predictive factors of GSE among pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to assess the GSE among pregnant women and identify its relationship with [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: General-self efficacy (GSE) is a substantial element during pregnancy that promotes healthy decision-making and prevents complications. Information on predictive factors of GSE among pregnant women is limited. This study aimed to assess the GSE among pregnant women and identify its relationship with family quality of life (FQOL) domains in a lower-middle-income community. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in nine antenatal care centers from July 2024 to March 2025. Pregnant women were enrolled through the multiple stage sampling method. GSE in pregnant women was assessed using the General Self-efficacy Scale. FQOL was assessed using the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess predictors of GSE among pregnant women. Results: A total of 417 pregnant women participated in the study. The prevalence of low GSE was 12.2%. Multivariable linear regression showed that older age (p = 0.02), rural area (p = 0.007), and planned pregnancy (p = 0.03) were predictors of GSE among pregnant women. The total score of FQOL (p = 0.0001), parenting (p = 0.004), and material well-being (p = 0.043) were positive determinant factors of GSE in pregnant women who have at least one child. Conclusions: The prevalence of low general self-efficacy (GSE) among pregnant women was notably high, particularly among those with at least one child. Education regarding family planning, parenting, and financial management through multidisciplinary, family-centered care teams is essential to address the complex needs of expectant families. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
17 pages, 626 KB  
Article
Seasonal and Environmental Determinants of Maternal and Neonatal Vitamin D Status: A Cross-Sectional Observational Cohort Study in Urban Greece
by Artemisia Kokkinari, Maria Dagla, Kleanthi Gourounti, Antigoni Sarantaki, Giannoula Kirkou, Maria Iliadou, Evangelia Antoniou and Georgios Iatrakis
Healthcare 2025, 13(20), 2568; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202568 - 13 Oct 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1135
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D depends primarily on exposure to solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Nevertheless, populations in the Mediterranean region, including pregnant women, continue to experience high rates of hypovitaminosis D. Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period due to increased physiological [...] Read more.
Background: Cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D depends primarily on exposure to solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Nevertheless, populations in the Mediterranean region, including pregnant women, continue to experience high rates of hypovitaminosis D. Pregnancy is a particularly vulnerable period due to increased physiological demands and reduced outdoor activity. The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal and environmental determinants of maternal and neonatal vitamin D status in an urban Greek population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study on 248 pregnant women and their neonates admitted for delivery at Tzaneio General Hospital of Piraeus between September 2019 and January 2022. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were measured and temporally matched with environmental variables including UV index, sunshine hours, ambient temperature, and PM2.5 levels. Results: Both maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D levels exhibited marked seasonal variation, with levels peaking in late summer and declining sharply in winter. A significant positive correlation was observed between UV index and vitamin D concentrations (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), while elevated PM2.5 concentrations were inversely associated with vitamin D status. Despite supplementation, insufficiency persisted in most neonates, particularly during the low-UV season. This underlines the need for comprehensive prenatal care strategies, integrating both supplementation policies and individualized nutritional counseling, to better secure maternal and neonatal vitamin D adequacy. Conclusions: Seasonal and environmental factors, particularly solar radiation and particulate air pollution, have a decisive role in determining maternal and neonatal vitamin D status, even in regions with abundant sunlight. These findings emphasize the importance of adaptive prenatal care strategies that combine supplementation with dietary counseling and take into account seasonal variation and air quality. In addition, the study provides novelty by integrating maternal–neonatal vitamin D status with environmental exposure metrics such as UV and PM2.5. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

24 pages, 852 KB  
Systematic Review
Investigation of Youth Attitudes and Opinions Regarding HPV: A Systematic Review
by Eleftheria Papadopoulou, Elina Christiana Alimonaki, Anastasia Bothou, Anna Deltsidou, Maria Dagla, Christina Nanou and Giannoula Kyrkou
Healthcare 2026, 14(4), 439; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14040439 - 9 Feb 2026
Viewed by 568
Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the causative agent of cervical cancer and other cancers of the genital area, head and neck, on a worldwide scale. Despite the proven effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing HPV-related diseases, vaccination uptake remains low [...] Read more.
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the causative agent of cervical cancer and other cancers of the genital area, head and neck, on a worldwide scale. Despite the proven effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing HPV-related diseases, vaccination uptake remains low in many countries. It is crucial to understand how adolescents and young adults perceive HPV and its vaccine in order to design effective public health strategies and targeted awareness campaigns. Aim: This systematic review examined the attitudes, perceptions, and opinions of young people regarding HPV and HPV vaccination, with the goal of identifying factors that shape vaccine acceptance. Methods: A systematic literature search of PubMed and Scopus identified 293 articles published between January 2014 and February 2025. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. Eligible studies included primary qualitative and analytical cross-sectional research published in English that explored views on HPV and vaccination among individuals aged 15–24 years. Due to substantial heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures, findings were synthesized narratively and no meta-analysis was performed. The methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists (2017) for qualitative and analytical cross-sectional designs. Results: Ten studies met the eligibility criteria, representing 15,776 young people across six countries. The included studies comprised eight cross-sectional surveys and two qualitative studies. Across these studies, knowledge and awareness of HPV and its vaccine were generally moderate, while vaccination coverage remained low. The highest awareness levels were reported in the United States (95.3% for HPV; 90.6% for the vaccine), whereas lower levels were noted in Brazil, Greece, and Italy. Influential factors associated with vaccine acceptance included parental attitudes, healthcare-provider recommendations, cultural norms, and the presence of misinformation. Conclusions: The level of awareness regarding HPV among adolescents and young adults in the included countries is moderate, yet the vaccination coverage remains low across the included countries. The provision of targeted educational interventions, in conjunction with the consistent guidance and training provided by healthcare professionals, is of considerable importance in order to increase vaccination rates. Findings should be interpreted in light of heterogeneity across studies and reliance on self-reported outcomes. Future research should adopt a mixed-methods approach to more effectively address the social, cultural and informational influences shaping young people’s perceptions, and to develop more effective communication strategies that promote HPV vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 994 KB  
Systematic Review
Analysis of the Multifactorial Risks of Postpartum Urinary Incontinence: A Systematic Review
by Nikoleta Tsinisizeli, Anastasia Bothou, Kleanthi Gourounti, Anna Deltsidou, Aikaterini Lykeridou and Giannoula Kyrkou
Healthcare 2026, 14(3), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14030418 - 6 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1255
Abstract
Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common pelvic floor disorders after childbirth and depends on hormonal changes, anatomical damage that occurs after childbirth, muscle and connective tissue weakness, fascia and nerves. UI is distinguished into three subtypes, including stress [...] Read more.
Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is one of the most common pelvic floor disorders after childbirth and depends on hormonal changes, anatomical damage that occurs after childbirth, muscle and connective tissue weakness, fascia and nerves. UI is distinguished into three subtypes, including stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgent urinary incontinence (UUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Aim: The purpose of this review is to collect and summarize the results of studies related to the risk factors of urinary incontinence, to disseminate this information to scientists so that this major issue can be prevented, identified and managed. Methodology: This review followed the methodology of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and PECO eligibility criteria were used. We included studies published up to 2025 and not before 2019. The review was limited to studies published within the last six years in order to reflect contemporary diagnostic criteria, assessment tools and current postpartum care practices related to urinary incontinence. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus for studies concerning the relationship between risk factors and postpartum UI. Results: A total of 1321 citations were identified. Following our exclusion criteria, 36 papers were selected to identify the risk factors for UI. All the research focused on the associated factors of any type of urinary incontinence. Vaginal and instrumental delivery, obesity, maternal age and the neonate’s birth weight were the main risk factors. The multiparity and incontinence symptoms before and during pregnancy were also strong risk factors. Heterogeneity across studies in assessment tools, in outcome measures and timing of postpartum assessment are some of the limitations of the study. Restriction to English-language publications and the absence of protocol registration were some of the additional limitations of the study. Conclusions: This problem affects the inclusion of women in society, the family, limits social activities and even their ability to work. Detection of the type of urinary incontinence by healthcare professionals, lifestyle modifications, monitoring women’s body weight and encouraging them to follow a program of pelvic floor muscle exercises should be a priority for professionals. The strategy of developing prognostic models in the coming years will be the only way to ensure the early identification and follow-up of women at high risk for urinary disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Perspectives in Women's and Maternal Health: Systems, Prevention, Nutrition and Midwifery-Led Innovation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop