Wareerat Jittitaworn

Key research areas/interests: Models of maternity care, Midwife-led continuity care, adolescent pregnant women

Principal Supervisor: Caroline Homer

Summary of research project

'Models of Maternity care for Thai adolescent pregnant women to reduce adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes: A mixed method study'

The project attempts to develop a special program by using the theoretical framework of models of maternity care to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes amongst pregnant adolescents. To supplement, a literature review is being conducted to explore these topics globally, which will give context to my focus on Thai girls in particular.

Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?

The Faculty of Health is home to a range of professors who are experts in the field I am attempting to explore. Therefore, it only seemed natural to embark my studies at the University of Technology. My work has greatly benefited from their constructive input and support

What impact are you planning to make with your research project?

As I am focusing on Thailand’s models of maternity care, my work will impact positively on the development and effectiveness of these policies. More generally, increased knowledge will impact general awareness on the issue of adolescent pregnancies.

Who will benefit from your research? How?

Pregnant adolescents will benefit from better quality of maternal care, especially those from vulnerable groups. Their quality of life will be heightened and this could lead to further studies. There are statistics to show how this group is suffering when they become a pregnant, so I do believe my thesis will explore and address issues amongst this group.

How did you go about selecting your supervisor?

I investigated staff profiles within the field I was inspired to explore. All experts in the field I found reading their research projects allowed me to gauge the different perspectives each one of them took to the topic. After consideration and contacting some of the professors, I concluded on a supervisor.