Women's and healthcare professionals' awareness and knowledge of pregnancy complications and future cardiovascular disease risk: A mixed-methods review.
Sheree Spiteri, Megan Teychenne, Judi Porter et al.
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In 30 seconds
This mixed-methods systematic review examined awareness and knowledge of future cardiovascular disease risk associated with excess gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among women and healthcare professionals. Searches across four databases identified 39 studies, synthesised using a convergent integrated approach. Awareness and knowledge varied across both groups. Women’s risk perception was higher when they had a family history of cardiovascular disease or prior exposure to information, while knowledge differed by profession and was greater among cardiologists, obstetricians, and gynaecologists. The review identifies gaps in knowledge and translation into maternity and broader health services.
Key findings
- The review included 39 studies assessing women’s and healthcare professionals’ awareness and knowledge.
- Awareness and knowledge of pregnancy-related cardiovascular risk were variable and inconsistent across women and healthcare professionals.
- Family history of cardiovascular disease or prior information exposure was associated with greater women’s risk perception.
- Knowledge was greater among cardiologists, obstetricians, and gynaecologists than among other professional groups.
Why it matters
Pregnancy complications can signal future cardiovascular risk, but this review suggests that awareness and knowledge are uneven among both women and healthcare professionals. These gaps may hinder recognition and follow-up across maternity and other health services. The findings support attention to how risk information and referral pathways are communicated, while the review does not establish which educational approach is effective.