The role and attributes of social networks in the provision of support to women after stillbirth: experiences from Uganda

Abstract

Introduction Communities exert stigma on mothers after stillbirth despite their potential to offer social support to the grieving family. Maternal healthcare-seeking behaviors are socially reinforced rendering a social network approach vital in understanding support dynamics which when utilized can improve community response to mothers experiencing stillbirth. However, the form and direction of social support for women when in need is not clear. The study explored the role and attributes of women’s social networks in the provision of support to mothers who have experienced a stillbirth in Uganda. Methods An exploratory cross-sectional study design adopting a social network approach was conducted. Data collection following established procedures was conducted on a convenient sample of 17 mothers who had experienced a stillbirth six months before the study. Frequencies and bivariate analysis were conducted to determine the factors influencing the provision of social support from 293 network members elicited during the alter generation. We then performed a Poisson regression on each of the social support forms and the explanatory variables. Network structure variables were calculated using UCINET version 6 while Netdraw facilitated the visualization of networks. Results Overall, social support was available from all network relations mentioned by the respondents. No major variations were observed between the two time periods during pregnancy and following a stillbirth. The most common support received was in form of intangible support such as emotional and information support, mainly from females who were married and from the naturally occurring networks such as family and friends. We also observed that social support followed patterns of network relational characteristics including trust, frequency of contact and alters counted on for support more likely to provide the same. Conclusions A great potential for social support exists within women’s social networks to help address stillbirth risk factors during pregnancy and cope after experiencing the same. Alter characteristics like being female, married, and from naturally occurring networks together with relational characteristics such as trust, frequency of contact, and count on alter for support were predictors of eventual social support. Interventions aiming at addressing stillbirth risks at the community level ought to harness these network characteristics for benefits to the mothers.

Cultural beliefs and practices on perinatal death: a qualitative study among the Lango community in Northern Uganda

“…Open discussion about perinatal death noted in this study is restricted in Uganda, Ethiopia, and Ghana [ 2 , 20 ]. The practice of support for the bereaved parents observed in this community have also been noted in both developed and developing countries [ 2 , 8 , 11 , 21 , 53 , 54 ]. Thus, the need for always giving support to parents after perinatal loss.…”

Barriers and Facilitators to Integration of Social Determinants into Clinical Practice in Hospitals in Uganda

“…Social support indicated as a priority determinant by key informants is crucial for helping individuals cope with illness, obtain information of social services, get advice on how to access health services; and receive physical support during illness and recovery. Social support is particularly important for maternal, and child given that maternal health-seeking behaviours are socially reinforced [21] and for chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and HIV/AIDS that require patients to take medication continuously. Therefore, health workers should consistently engage patients, especially mothers and children on social support challenges.…”

“…Therefore, health workers should consistently engage patients, especially mothers and children on social support challenges. This is even more important in Uganda where the traditional and informal social support systems remain relevant, and the formal social support and social assistance mechanism are nascent [21].…”

“The Dark Farewell to the Light of Life”: A Qualitative Study About Prenatal Loss

“…In another study, health professionals could offer holistic assessment and appropriate support to women who experienced loss in the prenatal period (Jones et al, 2021). In other studies with women who experienced pregnancy loss, it was emphasized that emotional and social support is of great importance for their psychological state (Qian et al, 2020; Sun et al, 2018; Murphy et al, 2021; Ssegujja et al, 2021). In light of these findings, comprehensive counseling by health professionals and psychological support by mental health professionals are considered to contribute to the rehabilitation process.…”