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Systematic Reviews
Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research

The effect of antenatal education in small classes on obstetric and psycho-social outcomes - a systematic review

Authors: Carina Sjöberg Brixval, Solveig Forberg Axelsen, Stine Glenstrup Lauemøller, Stig Krøger Andersen, Pernille Due, Vibeke Koushede

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

The aims of antenatal education are broad and encompass outcomes related to pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. Both form and content of antenatal education have changed over time without evidence of effects on relevant outcomes. The effect of antenatal education in groups, with participation of a small number of participants, may differ from the effect of other forms of antenatal education due to, for example, group dynamic. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effects of antenatal education in small groups on obstetric as well as psycho-social outcomes.

Methods

Bibliographic databases (Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were searched. We included randomized and quasi-randomized trials irrespective of language, publication year, publication type, and publication status. Only trials carried out in the Western world were considered in this review. Studies were assessed for bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results are presented as structured summaries of the included trials and as forest plots.

Results

We identified 5,708 records. Of these, 17 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies varied greatly in content of the experimental and control condition. All outcomes were only reported in a single or a few trials, leading to limited or uncertain confidence in effect estimates. Given the heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes and also the high risk of bias of studies, we are unable to draw definitive conclusions as to the impact of small group antenatal education on obstetric and psycho-social outcomes.

Conclusions

Insufficient evidence exists as to whether antenatal education in small classes is effective in regard to obstetric and psycho-social outcomes. We recommend updating this review following the emergence of well-conducted randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42013004319
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
The effect of antenatal education in small classes on obstetric and psycho-social outcomes - a systematic review
Authors
Carina Sjöberg Brixval
Solveig Forberg Axelsen
Stine Glenstrup Lauemøller
Stig Krøger Andersen
Pernille Due
Vibeke Koushede
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-015-0010-x

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