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Moschetti K, Brunner L, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Probst I, Renteria SC, Vonlanthen J, Krief P. Predictors of the return to work for pregnant employees on preventive leave: Patients from an occupational medicine consultation in Switzerland. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300686. [PMID: 38517845 PMCID: PMC10959330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the Swiss legislation on maternity protection in the workplace (OProMa), if pregnant workers are exposed to occupational hazards and no protective measures are taken, a gynecologist will prescribe a certificate of preventive leave and the women must stop working. Returning to work is only possible if job adjustments are made. This study aims to evaluate the burden of absences on companies and to examine the predictors of the return to work for pregnant workers on preventive leave, by examining both the probability of return to work and the time required to return to work. The study sample includes data on 258 workplaces of pregnant workers on preventive leave, collected during an occupational medicine consultation aimed at supporting the implementation of the OProMa. Information is available on the worker (age, date of consultation), the hazards to which she is exposed, the company's knowledge of the OProMa and whether a risk analysis exists. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis are carried out. In 58% of the workplaces, it was not possible to return to work before the end of the pregnancy. This corresponds to an average absence of 4.5 months. In 42% of the workplaces, a return to work was possible thanks to workplace adaptations. A conforming risk analysis and a full knowledge of the OProMa for companies, and an early visit to the occupational medicine consultation for workers are good predictors of the likelihood of returning to work. Younger age and exposure to certain types of risks are factors that influence the duration of preventive leave. The implementation of OProMa in Switzerland poses serious challenges, but early identification of occupational hazards and practices that anticipate compliance with the law in the company increase the return to work in safety for pregnant workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Moschetti
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems (DESS), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Brunner
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems (DESS), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Health, Work and Environment (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Probst
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Saira-Christine Renteria
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, (CHUV), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Vonlanthen
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Health, Work and Environment (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peggy Krief
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Health, Work and Environment (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Brunner L, Krief PC, Probst I, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Renteria SC, Vonlanthen J, Moschetti K. A narrative review on factors associated with job interruption during pregnancy. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2023; 36:303-323. [PMID: 37681421 PMCID: PMC10664001 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Most women continue to work during pregnancy. However, some of them have to stop working before giving birth. Absence from work poses several challenges for employers and employees, as well as for society. The literature on absence from work during pregnancy and its determinants remains inconsistent and rather scarce. To conduct a narrative literature review on the factors associated with work interruption and on existing interventions aimed at reducing the absence prevalence during pregnancy. The review refers to published peer-reviewed articles dealing with all types of work interruption among pregnant women. Keyword searches were performed in the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, covering the period 2000-2022. The review, which includes 42 papers, presents a broad and comprehensive picture of factors and interventions associated with absence from work among pregnant workers. The factors appear at different levels and include factors related to the pregnant women, such as individual health and socio-demographic factors; employer and workplace-related factors, such as risk exposures and working conditions; factors related to the role of the healthcare provider; and factors related to the national context (social benefits/insurance). The determinants of absence from work during pregnancy are complex and multifactorial and involve multiple stakeholders. The discussion addresses gaps and needs in the literature on pregnancy at work and in the field of occupational health. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(3):303-23.
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Affiliation(s)
- LoÏc Brunner
- University of Lausanne (UNIL), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peggy Chagnon Krief
- University of Lausanne (UNIL), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Health, Work and Environment, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Probst
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), School of Health Sciences (HESAV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- University of Lausanne (UNIL), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Health, Work and Environment, Lausanne, Switzerland
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), School of Health Sciences (HESAV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Julien Vonlanthen
- University of Lausanne (UNIL), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Health, Work and Environment, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Karine Moschetti
- University of Lausanne (UNIL), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Department of Epidemiology and Health Systems, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Lazzerini M, Valente EP, Covi B, Rozée V, Costa R, Otelea MR, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Węgrzynowska M, Linden K, Arendt M, Brigidi S, Miani C, Pumpure E, Radetic J, Drandic D, Cerimagic A, Nedberg IH, Liepinaitienė A, Rodrigues C, de Labrusse C, Baranowska B, Zaigham M, Castañeda LM, Batram-Zantvoort S, Jakovicka D, Ruzicic J, Juciūtė S, Santos T, Gemperle M, Tataj-Puzyna U, Elden H, Mizgaitienė M, Lincetto O, Sacks E, Mariani I. Rates of instrumental vaginal birth and cesarean and quality of maternal and newborn health care in private versus public facilities: Results of the IMAgiNE EURO study in 16 countries. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 159 Suppl 1:22-38. [PMID: 36530007 PMCID: PMC10108180 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) during the COVID-19 pandemic by facility type among 16 European countries, comparing rates of instrumental vaginal birth and cesarean. METHODS Women who gave birth in the WHO European Region from March 1, 2020, to February 7, 2022, answered a validated online questionnaire. Rates of instrumental birth, instrumental vaginal birth, and cesarean, and a QMNC index were calculated for births in public versus private facilities. RESULTS Responses from 25 206 participants were analyzed. Women giving birth in private compared with public facilities reported significantly more frequent total cesarean (32.5% vs 19.0%; aOR 1.70; 95% CI 1.52-1.90), elective cesarean (17.3% vs 7.8%; aOR 1.90; 95% CI 1.65-2.19), and emergency cesarean before labor (7.4% vs 3.9%; aOR 1.39; 95% CI 1.14-1.70) (P < 0.001 for all comparisons), with analyses by country confirming these results. QMNC index results were heterogeneous across countries and regions in the same country and were largely affected by geographical distribution of regions rather than by type of facility alone. CONCLUSION The study confirms that births in private facilities have higher odds of cesarean. It also suggests that QMNC should be closely monitored in all facilities to achieve high-quality care, independent of facility type or geographical distribution. CLINICALTRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER NCT04847336.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Lazzerini
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuelle Pessa Valente
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Benedetta Covi
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Virginie Rozée
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Research Unit, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED), Paris, France
| | - Raquel Costa
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,Lusófona University/HEI-Lab: Digital Human-environment Interaction Labs, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marina Ruxandra Otelea
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania.,SAMAS Association, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria Węgrzynowska
- Department of Midwifery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Linden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maryse Arendt
- Beruffsverband vun de Laktatiounsberoderinnen zu Lëtzebuerg asbl (Professional Association of Lactation Consultants in Luxembourg), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Serena Brigidi
- Department of Anthropology, Philosophy and Social Work, Medical Anthropology Research Center (MARC), Rovira i Virgili University (URV), Tarragona, Spain
| | - Céline Miani
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Elizabete Pumpure
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Riga Stradins University, Rīga, Latvia.,Riga Maternity Hospital, Rīga, Latvia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carina Rodrigues
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Claire de Labrusse
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Baranowska
- Department of Midwifery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mehreen Zaigham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institution of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund and Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Stephanie Batram-Zantvoort
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | | | - Simona Juciūtė
- Kaunas University of Applied Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Teresa Santos
- Universidade Europeia, Lisbon, Portugal.,Plataforma CatólicaMed/Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Saúde (CIIS) da Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Michael Gemperle
- Research Institute of Midwifery, School of Health Sciences, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Urszula Tataj-Puzyna
- Department of Midwifery, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Helen Elden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marija Mizgaitienė
- Kaunas Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ornella Lincetto
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma Sacks
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ilaria Mariani
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
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Miani C, Wandschneider L, Batram-Zantvoort S, Covi B, Elden H, Nedberg IH, Drglin Z, Pumpure E, Costa R, Rozée V, Otelea MR, Drandić D, Radetic J, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Ćerimagić A, Arendt M, Mariani I, Linden K, Ponikvar BM, Jakovicka D, Dias H, Ruzicic J, de Labrusse C, Valente EP, Zaigham M, Bohinec A, Rezeberga D, Barata C, Pfund A, Sacks E, Lazzerini M, Drandić Roda D, Kurbanović M, Virginie R, de La Rochebrochard E, Löfgren K, Miani C, Batram‐Zantvoort S, Wandschneider L, Lazzerini M, Valente EP, Covi B, Mariani I, Morano S, Chertok I, Hefer E, Artzi‐Medvedik R, Pumpure E, Rezeberga D, Jansone‐Šantare G, Jakovicka D, Knoka AR, Vilcāne KP, Liepinaitienė A, Kondrakova A, Mizgaitienė M, Juciūtė S, Arendt M, Tasch B, Nedberg IH, Kongslien S, Vik ES, Baranowska B, Tataj‐Puzyna U, Węgrzynowska M, Costa R, Barata C, Santos T, Rodrigues C, Dias H, Otelea MR, Radetić J, Ružičić J, Drglin Z, Ponikvar BM, Bohinec A, Brigidi S, Castañeda LM, Elden H, Sengpiel V, Linden K, Zaigham M, De Labrusse C, Abderhalden A, Pfund A, Thorn H, Grylka S, Gemperle M, Mueller A. Individual and country-level variables associated with the medicalization of birth: Multilevel analyses of IMAgiNE EURO data from 15 countries in the WHO European region. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 159 Suppl 1:9-21. [PMID: 36530006 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate potential associations between individual and country-level factors and medicalization of birth in 15 European countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Online anonymous survey of women who gave birth in 2020-2021. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression models estimating associations between indicators of medicalization (cesarean, instrumental vaginal birth [IVB], episiotomy, fundal pressure) and proxy variables related to care culture and contextual factors at the individual and country level. RESULTS Among 27 173 women, 24.4% (n = 6650) had a cesarean and 8.8% (n = 2380) an IVB. Among women with IVB, 41.9% (n = 998) reported receiving fundal pressure. Among women with spontaneous vaginal births, 22.3% (n = 4048) had an episiotomy. Less respectful care, as perceived by the women, was associated with higher levels of medicalization. For example, women who reported having a cesarean, IVB, or episiotomy reported not feeling treated with dignity more frequently than women who did not have those interventions (odds ratio [OR] 1.37; OR 1.61; OR 1.51, respectively; all: P < 0.001). Country-level variables contributed to explaining some of the variance between countries. CONCLUSION We recommend a greater emphasis in health policies on promotion of respectful and patient-centered care approaches to birth to enhance women's experiences of care, and the development of a European-level indicator to monitor medicalization of reproductive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Miani
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.,Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Research Unit, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED), Aubervilliers, France
| | - Lisa Wandschneider
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Stephanie Batram-Zantvoort
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Benedetta Covi
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Helen Elden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingvild Hersoug Nedberg
- Department of Health and Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Zalka Drglin
- National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Elizabete Pumpure
- Riga Maternity Hospital, Riga, Latvia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Raquel Costa
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.,Lusófona University/HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Labs, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Virginie Rozée
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Research Unit, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED), Aubervilliers, France
| | - Marina Ruxandra Otelea
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, Bucharest, Romania.,SAMAS Association, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Maryse Arendt
- Beruffsverband vun de Laktatiounsberoderinnen zu Lëtzebuerg asbl (Professional association of the Lactation Consultants in Luxembourg), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Ilaria Mariani
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Karolina Linden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Heloisa Dias
- Administração Regional de Saúde do Algarve, Algarve, Portugal
| | | | - Claire de Labrusse
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emanuelle Pessa Valente
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
| | - Mehreen Zaigham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institution of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö and Lund, Sweden
| | - Anja Bohinec
- National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dace Rezeberga
- Riga Maternity Hospital, Riga, Latvia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Catarina Barata
- Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anouk Pfund
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emma Sacks
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marzia Lazzerini
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy
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Thorn-Cole H, De Labrusse C, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Kaech C, Hammer R. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternity services in Europe: a mixed methods systematic review protocol. JBI Evid Synth 2022; 20:2303-2311. [PMID: 35989639 PMCID: PMC9593326 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-22-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective: This review will synthesize and integrate the best available evidence on the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in access to and the provision of maternity services in Europe. The review will also consider health care professionals’ experiences in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Introduction: Governments and maternity services have introduced various protective sanitary and organizational measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the global population, including health care professionals. Since March 2020, the number of publications on this topic has soared, yet little is known about the effect of the pandemic and the accompanying measures on access to and the provision of maternity care in Europe. Inclusion criteria: The review will consider quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies on the impact of COVID-19 on European maternity services. For the quantitative component, the review will consider studies evaluating maternity services outcomes across all types of maternity care settings. For the qualitative component, the review will consider studies exploring maternity health care providers’ experiences and perceptions of the impact of the pandemic on care provided to women and their babies. Methods: Six bibliographic databases will be searched for published and unpublished studies since March 2020. Study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis will follow JBI's segregated mixed methods approach. The quantitative component will be adapted to follow the JBI requirements for systematic reviews of etiology and risk. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42021283878
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Thorn-Cole
- HESAV School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
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6
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Krief P, Probst I, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Renteria SC, Kamara M, Clair C. [Protection of pregnant and breastfeeding workers in Switzerland: a practical guide]. Rev Med Suisse 2022; 18:1306-1312. [PMID: 35770434 DOI: 10.53738/revmed.2022.18.788.1306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Specific working conditions may endanger pregnant women's and their children's health. Switzerland has specific legislation for the protection of pregnant and breastfeeding employees. However, the implementation of these provisions presents important shortcomings. Attending physicians or gynaecologists-obstetricians who care for pregnant women have a central role in controlling the efficacy of protective measures put in place for their patients at work. What are the occupational exposures at risk and their health impact ? What are the collaboration with the different actors involved in the protection of maternity at work ? What steps should be taken if occupational dangers are identified? What tools can be used ? This article answers and explore these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Krief
- Département de santé, travail et environnement, Unisanté, Université de Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne
| | | | - Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- Département de santé, travail et environnement, Unisanté, Université de Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne
- Haute école de santé Vaud, HES-SO, 1011 Lausanne
| | - Saira-Christine Renteria
- Ancien médecin cadre, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois et Université de Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne
| | - Marianne Kamara
- Département de santé, travail et environnement, Unisanté, Université de Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne
| | - Carole Clair
- Département de formation recherche et innovation, Unisanté, Université de Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne
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Krief P, Mediouni Z, Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Kerr D, Nesi S, Renteria SC, Vonlanthen J, Danuser B. Evaluation of a pilot consultation for maternity protection at work in Switzerland. Swiss Med Wkly 2022; 152:w30160. [PMID: 35704946 DOI: 10.4414/smw.2022.w30160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY AIMS Switzerland's Labour Law and its Ordonnance on Maternity Protection aim to protect the health of pregnant employees and their unborn children while enabling them to continue to pursue their professional activities. Some companies encounter difficulties implementing the law's provisions. The Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, part of the Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), has provided specialist occupational medicine consultations for pregnant employees since 2015. This study aimed to evaluate how well Swiss' maternity protection legislation is implemented by examining a list of relevant indicators measured during the occupational health consultation. The study also sought to investigate the consultation support provided to the relevant stakeholders and the adjustments made to pregnant employees' working conditions. METHODS Descriptive variables and indicators relative to the application of the Swiss maternity protection legislation for 83 pregnant employees were collected during the consultation's pilot phase (between 2015 and 2016). Descriptive statistics and cross-analyses of these indicators were made. RESULTS Most pregnant employees faced multiple exposures to occupational risks. Preventive risk analyses were rare. Few adjustments to workstations were proposed. We found a tendency for employees to leave their workstations early on in their pregnancies due to sick leave certificate prescriptions. Specialist consultation and collaboration with occupational health physicians to recommend interventions for pregnant employees can provide significant benefits and help some pregnant women to continue at their workstations with appropriate adjustments. DISCUSSION A specialised occupational health consultation is a useful instrument for identifying occupational hazards for both the pregnant woman and her unborn child. It is also an opportunity to explain employers' legal responsibilities and obligations to safeguard the health of their pregnant employees and to give specific advice for their company's situation. This consultation also enables employers to maintain their employees' valuable professional competencies in the workplace for as long as possible. Finally, occupational health consultation helps and supports healthcare providers who must, according to the law, make decisions about whether pregnant employees can continue working safely or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Krief
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne (Unil), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zakia Mediouni
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne (Unil), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne (Unil), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland.,School of Health Sciences (HESAV,) University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Kerr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne (Unil), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Saira-Christine Renteria
- Psychosocial Unit, Department of Women's, Mothers' and Children's Health, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Vonlanthen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne (Unil), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Brigitta Danuser
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne (Unil), Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
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Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Probst I, Mercier MPP, Danuser B, Krief P. Maternity Protection at Work and Safety Climate: The Perceptions of Managers and Employees in Three Healthcare Institutions in Switzerland. Scandinavian Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology 2021. [DOI: 10.16993/sjwop.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Politis Mercier MP, Probst I, Wild P, Danuser B, Krief P. Midwives and protection of pregnant workers in Western Switzerland: Practices, difficulties and contributions. Midwifery 2021; 102:103125. [PMID: 34428629 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.103125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Switzerland's maternity protection legislation aims to protect the health of pregnant employees and their unborn children by regulating their potential occupational exposure to hazards and strenuous activities. This legislation provides a role for obstetricians, but not for midwives. AIMS Identify the practices of Switzerland's French-speaking midwives that favour the implementation of maternity protection legislation and reflect on the profession's role in supporting pregnant employees. METHODS 356 midwives answered an online questionnaire. The analysis focuses on the 205 midwives who perform pregnancy consultations in their practice. Data were analysed in two stages using STATA software: 1) simple descriptive and correlational statistics and 2) hierarchical cluster analysis to identify typologies of practices by grouping similar responses. FINDINGS Despite having no officially defined role in Switzerland's maternity protection legislation, its midwives actively participate in protecting pregnant employees , especially those with more knowledge of the legislation, those with more years of experience and those practicing independently. The barriers that midwives face when trying to provide greater support for pregnant employees are linked significantly to their lack of knowledge about the legislation, a lack of recognition for their role in the current legislation and a lack of continuing education about the occupational health risks associated with pregnancy at work. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Their profession and specific practices give midwives privileged access to pregnant employees. Midwives' knowledge of the legislation, their awareness of the occupational risks and hazards facing pregnant employees and the conviction that their profession has the potential to make a difference could all be improved. The role of midwives should be-and deserves to be-formally and legally recognised and integrated into Switzerland's maternity protection legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- HESAV School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Avenue de Beaumont 21, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 2, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland.
| | - Maria-Pia Politis Mercier
- HESAV School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Avenue de Beaumont 21, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Probst
- HESAV School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Avenue de Beaumont 21, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Wild
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 2, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland; INRS Scientific Management Unit, Nancy, France
| | - Brigitta Danuser
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 2, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Peggy Krief
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 2, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
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Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Mediouni Z, Probst I, Politis Mercier MP, Danuser B, Wild P, Chiarini B, Hale ML, Krief P. Evolution of gynaecologists' practices regarding the implementation of Swiss legislation on maternity protection at work between 2008 and 2017. Swiss Med Wkly 2021; 151:w20537. [PMID: 34318910 DOI: 10.4414/smw.2021.20537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In accordance with the International Labour Organization’s Maternity Protection Convention (No. 183) and European Union Directive 92/857CEE (1992), Switzerland’s Labour Law and its Maternity Protection Ordinance (OProMa) aim to protect the health of pregnant employees and their future children while enabling them to pursue their working activities. Gynaecologists-obstetricians have a key role in this legislation, particularly through the prescription of preventive leave for patients who would otherwise face dangerous or arduous tasks in the absence of an adequate risk analysis or suitable protective measures. However, international and national literature suggests that gynaecologists-obstetricians may encounter difficulties in fulfilling their role. AIMS This study aimed to: (1) describe the practices and difficulties encountered by gynaecologists-obstetricians in the practical implementation of the OProMa; and (2) compare the evolution of these practices and difficulties between 2008 and 2017. METHODS A survey by questionnaire was conducted in 2008 and repeated in 2017. Both surveys focused on gynaecologists-obstetricians working in the French-speaking part of Switzerland (in private practices, hospitals or both). Descriptive and comparative analyses were carried out. RESULTS 83 gynaecologists-obstetricians responded in 2008 and 93 in 2017: response rates of 47% and 32%, respectively. In 2017, gynaecologists-obstetricians were more likely to ask questions about occupational risks faced by their patients when consulted by working mothers about their pregnancies. The estimated percentage of patients exposed to an occupational risk remained constant (20% in 2008 and 22% in 2017). Communication and collaboration with employers were reported to be difficult in both surveys, even though these are key elements in the implementation of the OProMa. Collaboration with occupational physicians, however, was more frequent in 2017. CONCLUSION In 2017, gynaecologists-obstetricians showed a greater awareness of occupational risks and collaborated more frequently with occupational health specialists. However, the application of the OProMa remained limited over the studied time period. Improving training of gynaecologists-obstetricians in this field could be a significant factor in encouraging better implementation of the current legislation. Moreover, gynaecologists-obstetricians need to be given the necessary support to enable their clinical practice to evolve towards a more preventive type of medicine. Collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including occupational physicians, midwives and workers, should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Switzerland / Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Occupational Health and Environment Department (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland
| | - Zakia Mediouni
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Occupational Health and Environment Department (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Probst
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Switzerland
| | - Maria-Pia Politis Mercier
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Switzerland
| | - Brigitta Danuser
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Occupational Health and Environment Department (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland
| | - Pascal Wild
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Occupational Health and Environment Department (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland / INRS Research and Studies Management, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Occupational Health and Environment Department (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland
| | - Bastien Chiarini
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Occupational Health and Environment Department (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland
| | - Marie-Louise Hale
- Occupational health physician and general practitioner in private practice, 1162 St-Prex, Switzerland
| | - Peggy Krief
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Occupational Health and Environment Department (DSTE), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland
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Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Probst I, Politis Mercier MP, Zenoni M, Wild P, Danuser B, Krief P. Implementation of the Swiss ordinance on maternity protection at work in companies in French-speaking Switzerland. Work 2021; 69:157-172. [PMID: 33998579 DOI: 10.3233/wor-213465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Switzerland's Ordinance on Maternity Protection at Work (OProMa) requires that companies take the necessary measures to ensure that pregnant employees can continue working without danger. OBJECTIVE To investigate the extent of compliance with OProMa within companies in French-speaking Switzerland as well as factors which facilitate and obstruct the ordinance's implementation. METHODS A stratified random telephone survey of 202 companies from the healthcare and food industry was conducted. Descriptive and correlational statistics were calculated. Responses to open questions were analysed thematically. RESULTS Only a minority of companies performed risk analyses or adapted employees' workstations, as per the legislation. OProMa was implemented more effectively in larger companies than smaller ones, in public rather than private ones, in the healthcare sector rather than the food industry, and when the person responsible for the wellbeing of pregnant employees within the company had undergone specific training on the subject. Data extrapolation suggested that only 2% of pregnant employees in French-speaking Switzerland's food industry and 12% in its healthcare sector are properly protected according to OProMa's provisions. CONCLUSIONS Maternity protection in French-speaking Switzerland's companies urgently requires improvement. In addition to the apparent need for stronger incentives and for monitoring of companies, our findings indicate a need to provide them with resources to meet OProMa's provisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Occupational Health and Environment Department (OHED), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Probst
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Pia Politis Mercier
- School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michela Zenoni
- Occupational Health and Environment Department (OHED), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Wild
- Occupational Health and Environment Department (OHED), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Research and Study Management Unit, INRS, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Brigitta Danuser
- Occupational Health and Environment Department (OHED), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peggy Krief
- Occupational Health and Environment Department (OHED), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Lausanne, Switzerland
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Abderhalden-Zellweger A, Probst I, Politis Mercier MP, Danuser B, Wild P, Krief P. Implementation of maternity protection legislation: Gynecologists' perceptions and practices in French-speaking Switzerland. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231858. [PMID: 32353865 PMCID: PMC7192633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In several countries, maternity protection legislations (MPL) confer an essential role to gynecologist-obstetricians (OBGYNs) for the protection of pregnant workers and their future children from occupational exposures. This study explores OBGYNs’ practices and difficulties in implementing MPL in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Methods An online survey was sent to 333 OBGYNs. Data analysis included: 1) descriptive and correlational statistics and 2) hierarchical cluster analysis to identify patterns of practices. Results OBGYNs evoked several problems in MPL implementation: absence of risk analysis in the companies, difficult collaboration with employers, lack of competencies in the field of occupational health. Preventive leave was underused, with sick leave being prescribed instead. Training had a positive effect on OBGYNs’ knowledge and implementation of MPL. Hierarchical cluster analysis highlighted three main types of practices: 1) practice in line with legislation; 2) practice on a case-by-case basis; 3) limited practice. OBGYNs with good knowledge of MPL more consistently applied its provisions. Conclusion The implementation of MPL appears challenging for OBGYNs. Collaboration with occupational physicians and training might help OBGYNs to better take on their role in maternity protection. MPL in itself could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Abderhalden-Zellweger
- HESAV School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Occupational Health and Environment Department (OHED), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Epalinges, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Isabelle Probst
- HESAV School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria-Pia Politis Mercier
- HESAV School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Brigitta Danuser
- Occupational Health and Environment Department (OHED), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Wild
- Occupational Health and Environment Department (OHED), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Epalinges, Switzerland
- INRS Research and Studies Management, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Peggy Krief
- Occupational Health and Environment Department (OHED), Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Epalinges, Switzerland
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