The RELEVANT Study - Phase 2

• Stillbirth, a tragic outcome, can sometimes be prevented by addressing risk factors like smoking, alcohol use, illicit drugs, maternal weight, inadequate prenatal care, and sleep position
• This study represents Phase 2 of the RELEVANT project, which builds upon Phase 1, a PhD project funded by Science Foundation Ireland. Led by Tamara Escanuela Sanchez, Phase 2 of the RELEVANT Study is supported by the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre in collaboration with the Pregnancy Loss Research Group.
• In Phase 2, all of the evidence gathered during Phase 1 will be used to informed the development of a behaviour change intervention using the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) framework.
• The BCW framework involves three stages: understanding the target behavior and defining the issue behaviorally, identifying intervention options (functions and policies), and determining content and implementation options (behavior change techniques and mode of delivery). Multiple research studies, including systematic literature reviews, qualitative interviews with pregnant women, and surveys with healthcare professionals (conducted during Phase 1), will inform the BCW framework. Additionally, input from a stakeholder group will be crucial in shaping the intervention.
• By involving pregnant women, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders, the intervention will be tailored to their needs and preferences, potentially making it adaptable for use in other settings to prevent stillbirth in high-risk populations.

People

• Tamara Escañuela Sánchez
  National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork.
  Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork.
• Professor Keelin O'Donoghue,
  Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork.
• Dr Karen Matvienko-Sikar
  School of Public Health, University College Cork.
• Professor Richard Greene
  National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork.
• Professor Molly Byrne
  Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, NUI University of Galway

Related Publications

• Escañuela Sánchez T, Matvienko-Sikar K, Greene R et al. Designing a behaviour change intervention to address the behavioural risk factors for stillbirth: A study protocol [version 1; peer review: 1 approved]. HRB Open Res 2023, 6:35 (https://doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.13751.1)

For information on Phase One click here.