%0 Journal Article
%T Women¡¯s perspectives on the management and consequences of hyperemesis gravidarum ¨C a descriptive interview study
%A Gro C. Havnen
%A Hedvig Nordeng
%A Kristine Heitmann
%A Lone Holst
%A Mai-Linh H. Do
%A Maria Bich-Thuy Truong
%J Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
%D 2019
%R https://doi.org/10.1080/02813432.2019.1569424
%X Abstract Objective: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) affects 0.3¨C3% of pregnant women and is a leading cause of hospitalization in early pregnancy. The aim of the study was to investigate women¡¯s treatment and management of HG, as well as the consequences of HG on women¡¯s daily life. Design and setting: A cross-sectional study based on a structured telephone interview and an online questionnaire. Participants were recruited by social media and by the Norwegian patient¡¯s organization for HG. Subjects: Norwegian women that experienced HG. Main outcome measure: Women¡¯s perspectives on management and consequences of HG. Results: The study included 107 women. Maternal morbidity was profound; about 3/4 of participants were hospitalized due to HG, and the majority showed clinical signs of dehydration (79%), ketonuria (75%), and >5% weight loss (84%). Antiemetics were used by >90% and frequently prescribed ¡°as needed¡±. Metoclopramide (71%) and meclozine (51%) were most commonly used. Participants described HG as having severe psychosocial consequences and profound impact on daily activities. Almost two out of five reported thoughts of elective abortion, and 8 women had at least one elective pregnancy termination due to HG. Overall, 20 women (19%) changed GPs due to dissatisfaction with HG management. Conclusion: Despite the high psychosocial burden and major impact on daily activities, many women with HG reported a lack of support from healthcare professionals and suboptimal management. Greater awareness and knowledge among healthcare professionals is needed to improve care for women with HG. Key Points There is a paucity of studies on management and the consequences of HG on women¡¯s daily lives and psychosocial burden. We found that: £¿£¿Many women described HG as one of their worst life experiences with profound morbidity. £¿£¿Many women reported suboptimal management of HG and lack of support from healthcare professionals. £¿£¿Greater understanding of patient perspectives among healthcare professionals is important to improve care and management for HG patients
%U https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02813432.2019.1569424