A randomized controlled trial of the provision of a social support service during pregnancy: the South Manchester Family Worker Project.
A pilot scheme was introduced in Manchester to provide additional social support to pregnant women at above average risk of giving birth to a low-birthweight baby. The help of lay workers, known as family workers, was made available to eligible women. The effect on infant birthweight of offering the help of a family worker was assessed by a randomized controlled trial. No significant differences were observed between the experimental and control group, but on a number of grounds the interpretation of this finding is not straightforward, and further research is recommended.
Spencer
B
B
Department of Epidemiology and Social Oncology, University of Manchester, Christie Hospital and Holt Radium Institute, Kinnaird Road, Withington.
Thomas
H
H
Morris
J
J
D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000600:supply & distribution; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004739:England; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000523:psychology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011897:Random Allocation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support