Maternal Health Outcomes for Incarcerated Women: A Scoping Review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This scoping review uses intersectional feminism to inform a systematic synthesis of what is known about the maternal health outcomes of incarcerated women.

BACKGROUND: Despite rising imprisonment of women, there is a lack of research, from a feminist perspective, on perinatal health outcomes among incarcerated women.

DESIGN: Systematic scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology.

METHODS: In consultation with a medical research librarian, key databases and journals were searched for English and French-language articles published fup to February 2018. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts to identify articles for full-text review. Study quality was appraised using the McGill Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The study adheres to PRISMA-EQUATOR guidelines.

RESULTS: Forty-five studies met the pre-set criteria and were reviewed in full-text. In addition, 13 studies met consensus for inclusion. Method, setting, participants, sample, relevant outcomes and relevant findings were extracted from each study for synthesis. Included studies had varied methods and were published from 1989-2014. Participants included women imprisoned during the perinatal period up to six months postpartum. All studies were conducted in carceral contexts, with 12 based in the USA and one in Australia. Outcomes of interest included breastfeeding, operative deliveries, gestational complications, depression, stress, experiences, bonding and sterilization.

CONCLUSION: The research on maternal health outcomes pertaining to incarcerated women is limited. There is a need for in-depth examination of breastfeeding with this population. Researchers needs to examine the prevalence and impact of carceral force, such as shackling, solitary confinement, strip-searching, and restraints in pregnancy. There is a need for research that asks what health outcomes matter to the women themselves.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Providers must be conscious of intersecting layers of discrimination and trauma incarcerated women experience and its impact on maternal health in the perinatal period and advocate for women. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.