This thesis addresses two important issues in midwifery: I) the care and support provided by midwives to women and their families facing vulnerable circumstances during pregnancy and childbirth, and II) the role and tasks of clinical midwives in Dutch hospitals.

PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the meaningful contributions of rehabilitation for participants living with persistent pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A phenomenological methodology was used. Thirteen purposefully selected participants, who self-identified as substantially improved from persistent pain …

Summary Background & aims Qualitative studies suggest that malnutrition awareness is poor in older adults. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to quantitatively assess malnutrition awareness in community-dwelling older adults aged 60+ years. Methods The Malnutrition Awareness Scale (MAS) …

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Qualitative studies suggest that malnutrition awareness is poor in older adults. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to quantitatively assess malnutrition awareness in community-dwelling older adults aged 60+ years. METHODS: The Malnutrition Awareness Scale (MAS) was …

INTRODUCTION: Integrated care is seen as an enabling strategy in organising healthcare to improve quality, finances, personnel and sustainability. Developments in the organisation of maternity care follow this trend. The way care is organised should support the general aims and outcomes of healthcare …

Background: Increasing life expectancy in high-income countries has been linked to a rise in fall mortality. In the Netherlands, mortality rates from falls have increased gradually from the 1950s, with some indication of stabilisation in the 1990s. For population health and clinical practice, it is important …

The specific risks and mental health needs of women in forensic services and the relevance of gender-responsive treatment include gender differences in criminological and psychiatric characteristics; gender-sensitive risk assessment; and gender-sensitive management. Some recommendations are provided …

Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer that affects women worldwide, posing a significant burden on public health. While advancements in early detection and improved treatments have led to a remarkable 90% five-year survival rate and an 83% ten-year survival rate, this has also resulted in …

Sierra Leone faces significant challenges in providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care and rights (SRHR) due to cultural norms, poverty and limited health care resources. These issues disproportionately affect low-income women, who face multiple barriers to accessing essential SRHR …

Background: A positive association between obesity based on body mass index (BMI) and periodontitis has been reported. Fat tissue-related systemic inflammation acts as the link to periodontal comorbidities of obesity. However, the BMI is unable to distinguish fat and fat-free tissues. More precise measures …