Communicating effectively with women experiencing socioeconomic vulnerability during the perinatal period: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence on communication interventions designed to support women experiencing socioeconomic vulnerability in the context of perinatal care. DESIGN: Systematic review based on narrative synthesis. DATA SOURCES: Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (Ebsco), and The Cochrane Library. STUDY SELECTION: Following PRISMA guidelines, peer-reviewed qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies published between 2013 and 2023 in English, Spanish, Dutch, French, or Turkish were included. Research from all care settings was eligible, except for studies conducted in low-income countries according to the Human Development Index. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction was performed at least two team members. Studies were analyzed through narrative synthesis. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Tools developed by the Centre for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa). RESULTS: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included telehealth, home visits, peer-led initiatives, and tailored approaches such as Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy and Motivational Interviewing. These interventions showed positive effects on breastfeeding, psychosocial well-being, maternal and neonatal health, and satisfaction with care, although outcomes varied in significance. Study quality ranged from moderate to high. CONCLUSIONS: Although the evidence is limited, the findings suggest that communication interventions may improve perinatal care for women facing socioeconomic vulnerability. Further robust research is recommended. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The protocol for this review was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023406466).