BARRIERS WOMEN WITH ADVERSE PREGNANCY OUTCOMES FACE TO ACCESS FOLLOW-UP CARE POSTPARTUM

Objective: Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) and gestational diabetes (GDM), contribute to an increased risk of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The postpartum period represents an opportunity to identify high-risk individuals through screening and risk assessment. In 2021, a postpartum care outpatient clinic for women with increased cardio-kidney-metabolic risk profile (PreCareFem Clinic) was established at the University Hospital St. Pölten. This study explores the barriers and facilitators for women of postpartum care. Design and method: In 2023 and 2024, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to assess the barriers and facilitators for attending the postpartum care outpatient clinic at the University Hospital St. Pölten, Austria. Results: A total of 100 women were identified via hospital records and invited to participate in the study. Of these, 37 participants were successfully enrolled. Transportation difficulties (28.6%), childcare responsibilities (25%), and mental health (14.3%) were the most frequently reported barriers to postpartum care appointments, particularly among women with HDP. PreCareFemClinic information material was welcomed and identified as an important facilitator. So would be the availability of telemedicine consultations, childcare on-site and expertise for postpartum care close to home. Conclusions: This study highlighted various barriers to access postpartum-care follow-up among women with APOs who would profit most. Our findings underscore the need for systematic, structured postpartum care addressing personal, logistical, and social barriers to mitigate long-term health risks in women with APOs.