Peer-reviewed article

Families' Perception of Cognitive and Emotional Support From Healthcare Professionals Across the Maternal and Newborn Care Continuum.

Schuler C, Ntow GE, Axame WK, Bansah E, Preusse-Bleuler B et al. · 1 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background During the perinatal period, women and newborns require high-quality supportive care. While cognitive and emotional care support is central to family systems care, few quantitative studies have explored this in sub-Saharan Africa. Aim We investigated families' perspectives on the support provided by healthcare professionals during maternal and newborn care, examining the impact of family demographics on their perceived support and identifying unmet support needs. Study design This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana. Participants included high-risk pregnant, birthing and postnatal women, mothers with small/sick newborns and their family members. Family support was assessed using the Icelandic Family Perceived Support Questionnaire (5-point Likert; scores: cognitive 5-25, emotional 9-45, overall 14-70). Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted with STATA. Analysis of open-ended text elements was done in two cycles, employing open coding and thematic categorisation via NVIVO software. Results Participants (N = 442) perceived their overall support from healthcare professionals, covering antenatal, labour, neonatal intensive care, postnatal and community-based primary care, as deficient (mean 45.3 ± 14.2). Emotional support (mean 16.6 ± 5.9) was rated lower than cognitive support (mean 28.6 ± 10.1). The highest rating was assigned to the item regarding taking respite (mean 4.0 ± 1.6). The item on family encouragement to narrate their illness experience, family strength and resilience received the lowest rating (mean 2.5 ± 1.8). Older family members and males felt excluded from care. Families requested consideration of their preferences, such as integrating alternative medicine and spirituality into care plans. Conclusion Cognitive support throughout the care continuum was perceived as average and emotional support was even lower. Family systems care guidelines and skills training are needed to strengthen healthcare professionals' communication skills to provide psychologically and emotionally safe support along the perinatal care continuum. Relevance to clinical practice Family meetings that address previous experiences, provide details regarding illnesses and outline care plans can improve family participation and resilience.