Group antenatal care positively transforms the care experience: Results of an effectiveness trial in Malawi.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We developed and tested a Centering-based group antenatal (ANC) model in Malawi, integrating health promotion for HIV prevention and mental health. We present effectiveness data and examine congruence with only the Group ANC theory of change model, which identifies key processes as supportive relationships, empowered partners in learning and care, and meaningful services, leading to better ANC experiences and outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial at seven clinics in Blantyre District, Malawi, comparing outcomes for 1887 pregnant women randomly assigned to Group ANC or Individual ANC. Group effects on outcomes were summarized and evaluated using t-tests, Mann-Whitney, or Chi-squared tests. Adjusted for seven individual and two c

SUBMITTER: Patil CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12176302 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature