The use of a salutogenic framework in empirical studies of maternity care

• Introduction: There is general agreement that maternity care services should be organized in a way that improves health. In many European settings, this entails changing the lens of maternity care from one focused on risk and the prevention of ill-health to one stressing positive outcomes including strengths and resources. Several frameworks have been proposed for a positive health care approach within the salutogenic framework. The most wellknown, and with a strong evidence base, is Antonovsky´s Sense of Coherence Theory. Aim: To establish if and how a salutogenic theoretical approach has been used in empirical studies of maternity care. Objectives: To identify how salutogenesis has been defined in empirical research around the maternity episode, and how and in what kind of contexts salutogenic theory has been used in empirical research around the maternity episode. To generate discussion about what promotes salutogenic approaches in maternity care provision. method: A systematic literature review, based on a predetermined search strategy. no language restrictions were applied. Included studies were subject to narrative analysis. Ethical approval was not required. Findings: Eight papers met the criteria for inclusion, comprising seven areas in the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods. Of these, two papers employed both a positive health philosophy and explicit use of Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence (SoC) scale. The remaining studies used discrete aspects of a salutogenic approach. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that, to date, salutogenic framing is rarely used in maternity care research. To guide future policy making and service provision, salutogenic theory could be used to find out what works well in promoting wellbeing for those using maternity care, rather than simply minimizing ill-health and risk. Funding: The study is part of the EU-funded COST Action IS0907

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Annan hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Other Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Salutogenesis

maternity care

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