FINAL BOOK OF ABSTRACTS 2019

School of Nursing and Midwifery Scoil an Altranais agus an Chnáimhseachais

The incidence of fatal fetal anomalies associated with perinatal mortality in Ireland

Author(s) Ms Stacey Power, Dr Sarah Meaney and Dr Keelin O’Donoghue Affiliation(s) INFANT Centre, University College Cork.

Abstract Background: Little is known about what conditions are most responsible for perinatal mortality. While there is no universally-agreed definition in Ireland, the term fatal fetal anomaly (FFA) is used in Law to describe a condition likely to lead to death of the fetus in utero or within 28 days of birth Aim: To identify what congenital anomalies (CAs) are responsible for perinatal death and whether they are classified as a FFA in accordance with the criteria implemented by the Irish legislation. Methods: Anonymised data pertaining to perinatal deaths from 2011 to 2016 in Ireland were obtained from the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre. Secondary data analysis were conducted using SPSS Results: Of the 2,638 perinatal deaths, 939 had an associated CA. Following the removal of unspecified deaths there were 779 CA related deaths, of which 42.1% (n=328) were considered a FFA. Nearly half of the conditions were classified as chromosomal (43.2%, n=406 of 939). There were more than one anomaly present in 35.5% of the cases (n=333 of 938) Conclusion: This study found that over a third of CAs were deemed a FFA. There is a need for a universal term and definition that represents fetuses/infants with conditions that cause perinatal death. Many of the conditions in isolation may not be a FFA however, when combined they have the potential to be fatal. As these cases are complex, knowledge is required to inform clinical practice and appropriate counselling of parents who receive a diagnosis of a fetal CA Abstract Background: According to the Department of Health (2016) 25% of children in Ireland are overweight or obese. Children are dependent on their family to provide healthy choices and to set examples of healthy behaviour. It is therefore essential to acknowledge the importance of parents in managing childhood obesity. Family dynamics have changed in recent years, whereby gender may not predict the role played within families. Despite this change, fathers remain underrepresented in the literature surrounding child health, including the topic of child weight. Aim: To critically appraise the empirical evidence which examines fathers’ perceptions about managing their child’s weight Methods: A systematic review was undertaken using PRISMA guidelines to guide and report the process. Three electronic index databases; CINAHL, PubMed and MEDLINE along with one abstract and citation database; SCOPUS were systematically searched to identify relevant articles within specified inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and a narrative synthesis conducted Results: Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Fathers acknowledged that they had a responsibility in managing their child’s weight along with the child’s mother. Fathers utilised a more ‘relaxed’ approach to food practices than mothers. Two studies conveyed that fathers were more concerned about their daughters’ weight then their sons’ weight Conclusion: Fathers play an important role in the management of their child’s weight Examining father’s perceptions about managing their child’s weight Author(s) Miss Simone O’Connor, Dr. Helen Mulcahy & Dr. Patricia Leahy-Warren Affiliation(s) UCC

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