1
|
Verbiest S, Yates L, Neely EJ, Tumblin C. Looking Back, Visioning Forward: Preconception Health in the US 2005 to 2023. Matern Child Health J 2023:10.1007/s10995-023-03788-0. [PMID: 37864771 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03788-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Preconception health has always been about preventative health care, ensuring the overall wellbeing of people of reproductive age before they have children. However, just as public health and health care have shifted to prioritize equity and include ideas about how social determinants of health influence health outcomes, the field of preconception health has experienced a similar transition. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the evolution of preconception health in the United States after 2005, highlighting the key tensions that have shaped the field. We provide an overview of the early history of the movement and describe how four phases of ideological tensions overtime have led to changes across seven categories of preconception health: definitions and frameworks, surveillance and measurement, messaging and education, strategic convenings and collaborations, clinical practice, and reproductive life planning. We also describe the historic and emerging challenges that affect preconception care, including limited sustained investment and ongoing threats to reproductive health. The vision of preconception health care we outline has been created by a diversity of voices calling for wellness, equity, and reproductive justice to be the foundation to all preconception health work. This requires a focus on preconception health education that prioritizes bodily autonomy, not just pregnancy intentions; national surveillance and data measures that center equity; attention to mental health and overall well-being; and the inclusion of transgender and non-binary people of reproductive age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Verbiest
- Schools of Medicine and Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #3550, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Lindsey Yates
- School of Public Health, Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dynes MM, Daniel GA, Mac V, Picho B, Asiimwe A, Nalutaaya A, Opio G, Kamara V, Kaharuza F, Serbanescu F. A qualitative evaluation and conceptual framework on the use of the Birth weight and Age-at-death Boxes for Intervention and Evaluation System (BABIES) matrix for perinatal health in Uganda. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:86. [PMID: 36726073 PMCID: PMC9890791 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05402-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal mortality (newborn deaths in the first week of life and stillbirths) continues to be a significant global health threat, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Low-tech, innovative solutions that close the quality-of-care gap may contribute to progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals for health by 2030. From 2012 to 2018, the Saving Mothers, Giving Life Initiative (SMGL) implemented the Birth weight and Age-at-Death Boxes for Intervention and Evaluation System (BABIES) matrix in Western Uganda. The BABIES matrix provides a simple, standardized way to track perinatal health outcomes to inform evidence-based quality improvement strategies. METHODS In November 2017, a facility-based qualitative evaluation was conducted using in-depth interviews with 29 health workers in 16 health facilities implementing BABIES in Uganda. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis across five domains: 1) perceived ease of use, 2) how the matrix was used, 3) changes in behavior or standard operating procedures after introduction, 4) perceived value of the matrix, and 5) program sustainability. RESULTS Values in the matrix were easy to calculate, but training was required to ensure correct data placement and interpretation. Displaying the matrix on a highly visible board in the maternity ward fostered a sense of accountability for health outcomes. BABIES matrix reports were compiled, reviewed, and responded to monthly by interprofessional teams, prompting collaboration across units to fill data gaps and support perinatal death reviews. Respondents reported improved staff communication and performance appraisal, community engagement, and ability to track and link clinical outcomes with actions. Midwives felt empowered to participate in the problem-solving process. Respondents were motivated to continue using BABIES, although sustainability concerns were raised due to funding and staff shortages. CONCLUSIONS District-level health systems can use data compiled from the BABIES matrix to inform policy and guide implementation of community-centered health practices to improve perinatal heath. Future work may consider using the Conceptual Framework on Use of the BABIES Matrix for Perinatal Health as a model to operationalize concepts and test the impact of the tool over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M. Dynes
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Gaea A. Daniel
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Valerie Mac
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Brenda Picho
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alice Asiimwe
- grid.423308.e0000 0004 0397 2008Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Agnes Nalutaaya
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gregory Opio
- grid.423308.e0000 0004 0397 2008Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Frank Kaharuza
- grid.440478.b0000 0004 0648 1247Kampala International University, Western Campus, Ishaka Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Florina Serbanescu
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gilbert CS, Xaverius PK, Tibbits MK, Sappenfield WM. Refreshing the Perinatal Periods of Risk: A New Reference Group and Nationwide Large-County-Level Analyses. Matern Child Health J 2022; 26:2396-2406. [PMID: 36183285 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Perinatal Periods of Risk approach (PPOR) is designed for use by communities to assess and address the causes of high fetal-infant mortality rates using vital records data. The approach is widely used by local health departments and their community and academic partners to inform and motivate systems changes. PPOR was developed and tested in communities based on data years from 1995 to 2002. Unfortunately, a national reference group has not been published since then, primarily due to fetal death data quality limitations. METHODS This paper assesses data quality and creates a set of unbiased national reference groups using 2014-2016 national vital records data. Phase 1 and Phase 2 analytic methods were used to divide excess mortality into six components and create percentile plots to summarize the distribution of 100 large US counties for each component. RESULTS Eight states with poor fetal death data quality were omitted from the reference groups to reduce bias due to missing maternal demographic information. There are large Black-White disparities among reference groups with the same age and education restrictions, and these vary by component. PPOR results vary by region, maternal demographics, and county. The magnitude of excess mortality components varies widely across US counties. DISCUSSION New national reference groups will allow more communities to do PPOR. Percentile plots of 100 large US counties provide an additional benchmark for new communities using PPOR and help emphasize problem areas and potential solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carol S Gilbert
- CityMatCH and the Division of Child Health Policy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 982155, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Pamela K Xaverius
- Maternal and Child Health Center of Excellence in Education, Science, and Practice, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Research and Scholarly Activity, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, 1 Pharmacy Place, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Melissa K Tibbits
- Health Promotion, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - William M Sappenfield
- The Chiles Center, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The Association of Moms2B, a Community-Based Interdisciplinary Intervention Program, and Pregnancy and Infant Outcomes among Women Residing in Neighborhoods with a High Rate of Infant Mortality. Matern Child Health J 2021; 26:923-932. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-020-03109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
5
|
A need for an update of Polish birth weight reference norms. ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/anre-2020-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The indicators of perinatal outcome are birth weight and gestational age. The standard method of assessing the outcome is comparing the newborn’s birth weight with the reference system, presented in the form of percentile charts. Acceleration or delay in prenatal development, which are associated with environmental changes, stress the need to validate the developmental norms. The goal of this study is to evaluate the need to construct new and accurate reference standards. The study includes data of newborns from singleton pregnancies: 4919 born in 2000 and 3683 born in 2015. Study variables included gestational age, sex, and birth weight. Percentile values estimated for two groups of infants born in years separated by a 15-year period, born in 2000 and in 2015, were compared. Birth weight percentiles, from the 28th to the 42nd week of gestation, were calculated using the Lambda Mu Sigma method. Estimated values revealed the birth weight standards in different weeks of gestational age for both years: 2000 and 2015. Comparison among medians estimated for infants born in these years showed the existence of significant differences among boys in the 28th, 36th, and 39th weeks and among girls in the 34th and 41st weeks of gestational age. As the period between the two measurements involves several years, environmental changes during this time period might have significantly affected the course of pregnancy and thus the birth weight. Hence, there is a need to validate the developmental norms. The reference standards should be renewed, and must be done on a periodical basis.
Collapse
|
6
|
Koech WA, Lilly CL. Association of county perinatal resources and gestational weight gain in West Virginia, United States. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:497. [PMID: 31842827 PMCID: PMC6915988 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2650-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inappropriate (inadequate or excessive) gestational weight gain (GWG) is of great concern to maternal, fetal and infant health. Different maternal and fetal risk factors are associated with GWG, but little is known about a more distal risk factor: inadequate county-level perinatal resources. Therefore, the study aim was to investigate GWG in women living in counties with below average perinatal resources in comparison with their counterparts living in counties with above average perinatal resources. Methods Retrospective study of 406,792,010–2011 West Virginia births in 55 counties. The outcome was GWG and the main predictor was county perinatal resources. Hierarchical linear mixed model was used to investigate the association of county perinatal resources and GWG. Results County perinatal resources was associated with GWG (p = 0.009), controlling for important covariates. Below average county perinatal resources was not significantly associated with a decrease in mean GWG (M: − 5.29 lbs., 95% CI: − 13.94, 3.35, p = 0.2086), in comparison with counties with above average county perinatal resources. There was significant difference between average, and above average county perinatal resources (M: − 17.20 lbs., 95% CI: − 22.94, − 11.47, p < 0.0001), controlling for smoking during pregnancy and other covariates. Conclusions Average county perinatal resources was associated with reduced mean GWG relative to above average county perinatal resources, but not below average county perinatal resources. However, this could be due to the small number of counties with above average resources as the effect was in the hypothesized direction. This highlights one of the challenges in county perinatal resource studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson A Koech
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, WV University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Christa L Lilly
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, WV University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kramer MR, Strahan AE, Preslar J, Zaharatos J, St Pierre A, Grant JE, Davis NL, Goodman DA, Callaghan WM. Changing the conversation: applying a health equity framework to maternal mortality reviews. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 221:609.e1-609.e9. [PMID: 31499056 PMCID: PMC11003448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The risk of maternal death in the United States is higher than peer nations and is rising and varies dramatically by the race and place of residence of the woman. Critical efforts to reduce maternal mortality include patient risk stratification and system-level quality improvement efforts targeting specific aspects of clinical care. These efforts are important for addressing the causes of an individual's risk, but research to date suggests that individual risk factors alone do not adequately explain between-group disparities in pregnancy-related death by race, ethnicity, or geography. The holistic review and multidisciplinary makeup of maternal mortality review committees make them well positioned to fill knowledge gaps about the drivers of racial and geographic inequity in maternal death. However, committees may lack the conceptual framework, contextual data, and evidence base needed to identify community-based contributing factors to death and, when appropriate, to make recommendations for future action. By incorporating a multileveled, theory-grounded framework for causes of health inequity, along with indicators of the community vital signs, the social and community context in which women live, work, and seek health care, maternal mortality review committees may identify novel underlying factors at the community level that enhance understanding of racial and geographic inequity in maternal mortality. By considering evidence-informed community and regional resources and policies for addressing these factors, novel prevention recommendations, including recommendations that extend outside the realm of the formal health care system, may emerge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Andrea E Strahan
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jessica Preslar
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | - Jacqueline E Grant
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Durham, NC
| | - Nicole L Davis
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - David A Goodman
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - William M Callaghan
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Perinatal Periods of Risk Analysis: Disentangling Race and Socioeconomic Status to Inform a Black Infant Mortality Community Action Initiative. Matern Child Health J 2017; 21:49-58. [PMID: 29080126 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-017-2383-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The goal of this study is to use Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) analysis to differentiate broad areas of risk (Maternal-Health/Prematurity, Maternal Care, Newborn Care, and Infant Health) associated with being Black from those associated with being poor. Methods Phase I PPOR compared two target populations (Black women/infants and poor women/infants) against a gold standard reference group (White, non-Hispanic women, aged 20+ years with 13+ years of education), then against each other. Phase II PPOR further partitioned excess risk into (1) Very-low-birthweight-risk and (2) Birthweight-specific-mortality-risk and identified individual-level risk factors. Results Phase I PPOR revealed Black excess mortality within the Maternal-Health/Prematurity category (67% of total excess mortality). Phase II PPOR revealed that Black excess mortality within this category was primarily due to premature deliveries of very-low-birthweight infants. In a unique extension of the PPOR methodology, a poverty-excess-PPOR was subtracted from the Black-excess-PPOR, and showed that Black women have substantial excess mortality above and beyond that associated with poverty. Subsequent analyses to identify Black-specific risks, controlling for poverty, found that vaginal bleeding, premature rupture of membranes, history of preterm delivery, and having no prenatal care significantly predicted preterm delivery. Conclusions This study demonstrated the utility of PPOR, a standardized risk assessment approach for focusing health promotion efforts. In the study community, PPOR identified that maternal preconception and prenatal factors contributed the greatest risk for Black infants due to prematurity and low birthweight. Higher socioeconomic status did little to mitigate this risk. These findings informed a community-wide plan that integrated evidence-based strategies for addressing systematic racial inequity with strategies for addressing systematic socioeconomic disadvantage.
Collapse
|
9
|
Harrist AV, Busacker A, Kroelinger CD. Evaluation of the Completeness, Data Quality, and Timeliness of Fetal Mortality Surveillance in Wyoming, 2006-2013. Matern Child Health J 2017; 21:1808-1813. [PMID: 28744700 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-017-2323-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The number of fetal deaths in the United States each year exceeds that of infant deaths. High quality fetal death certificate data are necessary for states to effectively address preventable fetal deaths. We evaluated completeness of detection of fetal deaths among Wyoming residents that occur out-of-state, quality of cause-of-death data, and timeliness of Wyoming fetal death certificate registration during 2006-2013. Description The numbers of out-of-state fetal deaths among Wyoming residents recorded by Wyoming surveillance and reported by the National Vital Statistics System were compared. Quality of cause-of-death data was assessed by calculating percentage of fetal death certificates completed in Wyoming with ill-defined, unknown, or missing cause-of-death entries. Timeliness was determined using the time between the fetal death and filing of the fetal death certificate with the Wyoming Department of Health Vital Statistics Service. Assessment Wyoming surveillance detected none of the 76 out-of-state fetal deaths among Wyoming residents reported by the National Vital Statistics System. Among 263 fetal death certificates completed in Wyoming and collected by Wyoming surveillance, 108 (41%) contained ill-defined, unknown, or missing cause-of-death entries. Median duration between the fetal death and filing with the Wyoming Vital Statistics Service was 33 days. Conclusion Wyoming fetal mortality surveillance is limited by failure to register out-of-state fetal deaths among residents, poor quality of cause-of-death data, and lack of timeliness. Strategies to improve surveillance include automating interjurisdictional sharing of fetal death data, certifier education, and electronic fetal death registration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexia V Harrist
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Wyoming Department of Health, Cheyenne, WY, USA.
| | - Ashley Busacker
- Wyoming Department of Health, Cheyenne, WY, USA
- Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program, Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Charlan D Kroelinger
- Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Program, Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kirby RS. Classifying Infant Deaths with a Focus on Prevention Strategies. Public Health Rep 2015; 130:570-2. [PMID: 26556928 DOI: 10.1177/003335491513000605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Russell S Kirby
- University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Department of Community and Family Health, Tampa, FL
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Integrating the life course into MCH service delivery: from theory to practice. Matern Child Health J 2014; 18:380-8. [PMID: 23456413 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-013-1242-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To describe the efforts of a community-based maternal and child health coalition to integrate the life course into its planning and programs, as well as implementation challenges and results of these activities. Jacksonville-Duval County has historically had infant mortality rates that are significantly higher than state and national rates, particularly among its African American population. In an effort to address this disparity, the Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition embraced the life course approach as a model. This model was adopted as a framework for (1) community needs assessment and planning; (2) delivery of direct services, including case management, education and support in the Magnolia Project, its federal Healthy Start program; (3) development of community collaborations, education and awareness; and, (4) advocacy and grass roots leadership development. Implementation experience as well as challenges in transforming traditional approaches to delivering maternal and child health services are described. Operationalizing the life course approach required the Coalition to think differently about risks, levels of intervention and the way services are organized and delivered. The organization set the stage by using the life course as a framework for its required local planning and needs assessments. Based on these assessments, the content of case management and other key services provided by our federal Healthy Start program was modified to address not only health behaviors but also underlying social determinants and community factors. Individual interventions were augmented with group activities to build interdependence among participants, increasing social capital. More meaningful inter-agency collaboration that moved beyond the usual referral relationships were developed to better address participants' needs. And finally, strategies to cultivate participant advocacy and community leadership skills, were implemented to promote social change at the neighborhood-level. Transforming traditional approaches to delivering maternal and child health services and sustaining change is a long and laborious process. The Coalition has taken the first steps; but its efforts are far from complete. Based on the agency's initial implementation experience, three areas presented particular challenges: staff, resources and evaluation. The life course is an important addition to the MCH toolbox. Community-based MCH programs should assess how a life course approach can be incorporated into existing programs to broaden their focus, and, potentially, their impact on health disparities and birth outcomes. Some areas to consider include planning and needs assessment, direct service delivery, inter-agency collaboration, and community leadership development. Continued disparities for people of color, despite medical advances, demand new interventions that purposefully address social inequities and promote advocacy among groups that bear a disproportionate burden of infant mortality. Successful transformation of current approaches requires investment in staff training to garner buy-in, flexible resources and the development of new metrics to measure the impact of the life course approach on individual and programmatic outcomes.
Collapse
|
12
|
Improving Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. Obstet Gynecol 2014; 124:143-149. [DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000000320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
13
|
Very low birth weight and perinatal periods of risk: disparities in St. Louis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:547234. [PMID: 25025058 PMCID: PMC4082833 DOI: 10.1155/2014/547234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Very low birth weight (VLBW) is a significant issue in St. Louis, Missouri. Our study evaluated risk factors associated with VLBW in this predominantly urban community. Methods. From 2000 to 2009, birth and fetal death certificates were evaluated (n = 160, 189), and mortality rates were calculated for perinatal periods of risk. The Kitagawa method was used to explore fetoinfant mortality rates (FIMR) in terms of birth weight distribution and birthweight specific mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the magnitude of association of selected risk factors with VLBW. Results. VLBW contributes to 50% of the excess FIMR in St. Louis City and County. The highest proportion of VLBW can be attributed to black maternal race (40.6%) in St. Louis City, inadequate prenatal care (19.8%), and gestational hypertension (12.0%) among black women. Medicaid was found to have a protective effect for VLBW among black women (population attributable risk (PAR) = −14.5). Discussion. Interventions targeting the health of women before and during conception may be most successful at reducing the disparities in VLBW in this population. Interventions geared towards smoking cessation and improvements in Medicaid and prenatal care access for black mothers and St. Louis City residents can greatly reduce VLBW rates.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wolfe SM. The application of community psychology practice competencies to reduce health disparities. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 53:231-234. [PMID: 24402727 DOI: 10.1007/s10464-013-9622-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This article demonstrates the application of community psychology practice competencies to health disparities reduction. It begins with a discussion of changes and evolution of the maternal child health field over nearly three decades, then describes implications for community psychology practice and the application of practice competencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Wolfe
- Susan Wolfe and Associates, LLC, 1137 Wishing Well Court, Cedar Hill, TX, 75104, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lee EJ, Gambatese M, Begier E, Soto A, Das T, Madsen A. Understanding Perinatal Death: A Systematic Analysis of New York City Fetal and Neonatal Death Vital Record Data and Implications for Improvement, 2007–2011. Matern Child Health J 2014; 18:1945-54. [DOI: 10.1007/s10995-014-1440-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
16
|
Application of a Mixed Methods Approach to Identify Community-Level Solutions to Decrease Racial Disparities in Infant Mortality. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s40615-014-0008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
17
|
Hogan VK, Culhane JF, Crews KJ, Mwaria CB, Rowley DL, Levenstein L, Mullings LP. The impact of social disadvantage on preconception health, illness, and well-being: an intersectional analysis. Am J Health Promot 2013; 27:eS32-42. [PMID: 23286654 DOI: 10.4278/ajhp.120117-qual-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand how social and structural contexts shape individual risk, vulnerability, and interconception health-related behaviors of African-American women. APPROACH OR DESIGN: A longitudinal ethnographic study was conducted. SETTING The study was conducted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS The sample included 19 African-American women who were participants in the intervention group of a randomized clinical trial of interconceptional care. METHOD Data were collected through interaction with participants over a period of 6 to 12 months. Participant observation , structured and unstructured interviews, and Photovoice were used to obtain data; grounded theory was used for analysis. The analysis was guided by intersectional theory. RESULTS Social disadvantage influenced health and health care-seeking behaviors of African-American women, and the disadvantage centered on the experience of racism. The authors identify seven experiences grounded in the interactions among the forces of racism, class, gender, and history that may influence women's participation in and the effectiveness of preconception and interconception health care. CONCLUSION African-American women's health and wellness behaviors are influenced by an experience of racism structurally embedded and made more virulent by its intersection with class, gender, and history. These intersecting forces create what may be a unique exposure that contributes significantly to the proximal determinants of health inequities for African-American women. Health promotion approaches that focus on the individual as the locus of intervention must concomitantly unravel and address the intertwining structural forces that shape individual circumstance in order to improve women's interconceptional health and to reduce disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya K Hogan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7445, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Demont-Heinrich CM, Hawkes AP, Ghosh T, Beam R, Vogt RL. Risk of Very Low Birth Weight Based on Perinatal Periods of Risk. Public Health Nurs 2013; 31:234-42. [DOI: 10.1111/phn.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Allison P. Hawkes
- Epidemiology, Planning, and Communication; Tri-County Health Department; Greenwood Village Colorado
| | - Tista Ghosh
- Epidemiology, Planning, and Communication; Tri-County Health Department; Greenwood Village Colorado
| | - Rita Beam
- Epidemiology, Planning, and Communication; Tri-County Health Department; Greenwood Village Colorado
| | - Richard L. Vogt
- Epidemiology, Planning, and Communication; Tri-County Health Department; Greenwood Village Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Stampfel C, Kroelinger CD, Dudgeon M, Goodman D, Ramos LR, Barfield WD. Developing a standard approach to examine infant mortality: findings from the State Infant Mortality Collaborative (SIMC). Matern Child Health J 2012; 16 Suppl 2:360-9. [PMID: 23108735 PMCID: PMC4301426 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-012-1167-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
States can improve pregnancy outcomes by using a standard approach to assess infant mortality. The State Infant Mortality Collaborative (SIMC) developed a series of analyses to describe infant mortality in states, identify contributing factors to infant death, and develop the evidence base for implementing new or modifying existing programs and policies addressing infant mortality. The SIMC was conducted between 2004 and 2006 among five states: Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Missouri, and North Carolina. States used analytic strategies in an iterative process to investigate contributors to infant mortality. Analyses were conducted within three domains: data reporting (quality, reporting, definitional criteria, and timeliness), cause and timing of infant death (classification of cause and fetal, neonatal, and postneonatal timing), and maturity and weight at birth/maturity and birth weight-specific mortality. All states identified the SIMC analyses as useful for examining infant mortality trends. In each of the three domains, SIMC results were used to identify important direct contributors to infant mortality including disparities, design or implement interventions to reduce infant death, and identify foci for additional analyses. While each state has unique structural, political, and programmatic circumstances, the SIMC model provides a systematic approach to investigating increasing or static infant mortality rates that can be easily replicated in all other states and allows for cross-state comparison of results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Stampfel
- Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs, 2030 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kieltyka L, Craig M, Goodman DA, Wise R. Louisiana implementation of the National Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (NFIMR) program model: successes and opportunities. Matern Child Health J 2012; 16 Suppl 2:353-9. [PMID: 23180189 PMCID: PMC4535700 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-012-1186-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Common features of successful, local-level, Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Programs are identified by the National Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (NFIMR) Program, including medical records abstraction and home interviews, case reviews by a case review team (CRT), and community systems action recommendations implemented by a community action team (CAT). This paper presents Louisiana's FIMR program, an adaptation of NFIMR recommendations. In 2001, the Louisiana Maternal and Child Health Program began a statewide FIMR Network (LaFIMR) based on the NFIMR model. Geographic areas of focus, case identification, staffing, data collection methods, and CRT and CAT membership and activities include modifications of the NFIMR recommendations unique to LaFIMR implementation. Adaptations made to the NFIMR model were advantageous to LaFIMR's success. Specifically, LaFIMR geographic areas of interest cover multiple natural communities. Compared with independent FIMR programs elsewhere, LaFIMR represents a Title V Program-based coordinated network of regional LaFIMR teams offering opportunities for expanded partnerships. Primary sources for LaFIMR case identification include obituaries and hospital logs, with secondary identification available through vital records. Improvements in vital records data systems are expected to enhance future LaFIMR case identification. LaFIMR-identified records that are linked with vital event certificates provide enhanced contextual findings for reviews and support continuous quality improvement processes. These differences in the LaFIMR implementation reinforce the NFIMR-supported uniqueness of FIMR programs across the United States, and may encourage other FIMR programs to consider how adaptations to NFIMR recommendations could benefit their programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyn Kieltyka
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sappenfield WM, Peck MG, Gilbert CS, Haynatzka VR, Bryant T. Perinatal periods of risk: analytic preparation and phase 1 analytic methods for investigating feto-infant mortality. Matern Child Health J 2011; 14:838-50. [PMID: 20563881 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-010-0625-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) methods provide the necessary framework and tools for large urban communities to investigate feto-infant mortality problems. Adapted from the Periods of Risk model developed by Dr. Brian McCarthy, the six-stage PPOR approach includes epidemiologic methods to be used in conjunction with community planning processes. Stage 2 of the PPOR approach has three major analytic parts: Analytic Preparation, which involves acquiring, preparing, and assessing vital records files; Phase 1 Analysis, which identifies local opportunity gaps; and Phase 2 Analyses, which investigate the opportunity gaps to determine likely causes of feto-infant mortality and to suggest appropriate actions. This article describes the first two analytic parts of PPOR, including methods, innovative aspects, rationale, limitations, and a community example. In Analytic Preparation, study files are acquired and prepared and data quality is assessed. In Phase 1 Analysis, feto-infant mortality is estimated for four distinct perinatal risk periods defined by both birthweight and age at death. These mutually exclusive risk periods are labeled Maternal Health and Prematurity, Maternal Care, Newborn Care, and Infant Health to suggest primary areas of prevention. Disparities within the study community are identified by comparing geographic areas, subpopulations, and time periods. Excess mortality numbers and rates are estimated by comparing the study population to an optimal reference population. This excess mortality is described as the opportunity gap because it indicates where communities have the potential to make improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William M Sappenfield
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Perinatal periods of risk: phase 2 analytic methods for further investigating feto-infant mortality. Matern Child Health J 2011; 14:851-63. [PMID: 20559697 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-010-0624-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The perinatal periods of risk (PPOR) methods provide a framework and tools to guide large urban communities in investigating their feto-infant mortality problem. The PPOR methods have 11 defined steps divided into three analytic parts: (1) Analytic Preparation; (2) Phase 1 Analysis-identifying the opportunity gaps or populations and risk periods with largest excess mortality; and (3) Phase 2 Analyses-investigating these opportunity gaps. This article focuses on the Phase 2 analytic methods, which systematically investigate the opportunity gaps to discover which risk and preventive factors are likely to have the largest effect on improving a community's feto-infant mortality rate and to provide additional information to better direct community prevention planning. This article describes the last three PPOR epidemiologic steps for investigating identified opportunity gaps: identifying the mechanism for excess mortality; estimating the prevalence of risk and preventive factors; and estimating the impact of these factors. While the three steps provide a common strategy, the specific analytic details are tailored for each of the four perinatal risk periods. This article describes the importance, prerequisites, alternative approaches, and challenges of the Phase 2 methods. Community examples of the methods also are provided.
Collapse
|
23
|
Chao SM, Donatoni G, Bemis C, Donovan K, Harding C, Davenport D, Gilbert C, Kasehagen L, Peck MG. Integrated approaches to improve birth outcomes: perinatal periods of risk, infant mortality review, and the Los Angeles Mommy and Baby Project. Matern Child Health J 2011; 14:827-37. [PMID: 20582458 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-010-0627-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This article provides an example of how Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) can provide a framework and offer analytic methods that move communities to productive action to address infant mortality. Between 1999 and 2002, the infant mortality rate in the Antelope Valley region of Los Angeles County increased from 5.0 to 10.6 per 1,000 live births. Of particular concern, infant mortality among African Americans in the Antelope Valley rose from 11.0 per 1,000 live births (7 cases) in 1999 to 32.7 per 1,000 live births (27 cases) in 2002. In response, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Programs partnered with a community task force to develop an action plan to address the issue. Three stages of the PPOR approach were used: (1) Assuring Readiness; (2) Data and Assessment, which included: (a) Using 2002 vital records to identify areas with the highest excess rates of feto-infant mortality (Phase 1 PPOR), and (b) Implementing Infant Mortality Review (IMR) and the Los Angeles Mommy and Baby (LAMB) Project, a population-based study to identify potential factors associated with adverse birth outcomes. (Phase 2 PPOR); and (3) Strategy and Planning, to develop strategic actions for targeted prevention. A description of stakeholders' commitments to improve birth outcomes and monitor infant mortality is also given. The Antelope Valley community was engaged and ready to investigate the local rise in infant mortality. Phase 1 PPOR analysis identified Maternal Health/Prematurity and Infant Health as the most important periods of risk for further investigation and potential intervention. During the Phase 2 PPOR analyses, IMR found a significant proportion of mothers with previous fetal loss (45%) or low birth weight/preterm (LBW/PT) birth, late prenatal care (39%), maternal infections (47%), and infant safety issues (21%). After adjusting for potential confounders (maternal age, race, education level, and marital status), the LAMB case-control study (279 controls, 87 cases) identified additional factors associated with LBW births: high blood pressure before and during pregnancy, pregnancy weight gain falling outside of the recommended range, smoking during pregnancy, and feeling unhappy during pregnancy. PT birth was significantly associated with having a previous LBW/PT birth, not taking multivitamins before pregnancy, and feeling unhappy during pregnancy. In response to these findings, community stakeholders gathered to develop strategic actions for targeted prevention to address infant mortality. Subsequently, key funders infused resources into the community, resulting in expanded case management of high-risk women, increased family planning services and local resources, better training for nurses, and public health initiatives to increase awareness of infant safety. Community readiness, mobilization, and alignment in addressing a public health concern in Los Angeles County enabled the integration of PPOR analytic methods into the established IMR structure and [the design and implementation of a population-based l study (LAMB)] to monitor the factors associated with adverse birth outcomes. PPOR proved an effective approach for identifying risk and social factors of greatest concern, the magnitude of the problem, and mobilizing community action to improve infant mortality in the Antelope Valley.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Margaret Chao
- Los Angeles County, Department of Public Health, Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health Programs, Los Angeles County, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|