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Minor KC, Bianco K, Mayo JA, Abir G, Judy AE, Lee HC, Leonard SA, Ayotte S, Hedli LC, Schaffer K, Sie L, Daniels K. Virtual simulation training for postpartum hemorrhage in low-to-moderate-volume hospitals in the US. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100357. [PMID: 38975047 PMCID: PMC11227018 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal mortality in the United States is rising and many deaths are preventable. Emergencies, such as postpartum hemorrhage, occur less frequently in non-teaching, rural, and urban low-birth volume hospitals. There is an urgent need for accessible, evidence-based, and sustainable inter-professional education that creates the opportunity for clinical teams to practice their response to rare, but potentially devastating events. Objective To assess the feasibility of virtual simulation training for the management of postpartum hemorrhage in low-to-moderate-volume delivery hospitals. Study design The study occurred between December 2021 and March 2022 within 8 non-academic hospitals in the United States with low-to-moderate-delivery volumes, randomized to one of two models: direct simulation training and train-the-trainer. In the direct simulation training model, simulation faculty conducted a virtual simulation training program with participants. In the train-the-trainer model, simulation faculty conducted virtual lessons with new simulation instructors on how to prepare and conduct a simulation course. Following this training, the instructors led their own simulation training program at their respective hospitals. The direct simulation training participants and students trained by new instructors from the train-the-trainer program were evaluated with a multiple-choice questionnaire on postpartum hemorrhage knowledge and a confidence and attitude survey at 3 timepoints: prior to, immediately after, and at 3 months post-training. Paired t-tests were performed to assess for changes in knowledge and confidence within teaching models across time points. ANOVA was performed to test cross-sectionally for differences in knowledge and confidence between teaching models at each time point. Results Direct simulation training participants (n=22) and students of the train-the-trainer instructors (n=18) included nurses, certified nurse midwives and attending physicians in obstetrics, family practice or anesthesiology. Mean pre-course knowledge and confidence scores were not statistically different between direct simulation participants and the students of the instructors from the train-the-trainer course (79%+/-13 versus 75%+/-14, respectively, P-value=.45). Within the direct simulation group, knowledge and confidence scores significantly improved from pre- to immediately post-training (knowledge score mean difference 9.81 [95% CI 3.23-16.40], P-value<.01; confidence score mean difference 13.64 [95% CI 6.79-20.48], P-value<.01), which were maintained 3-months post-training. Within the train-the-trainer group, knowledge and confidence scores immediate post-intervention were not significantly different compared with pre-course or 3-month post-course scores. Mean knowledge scores were significantly greater for the direct simulation group compared to the train-the-trainer group immediately post-training (89%+/-7 versus 74%+/-8, P-value<.01) and at 3-months (88%+/-7 versus 76%+/-12, P-value<.01). Comparisons between groups showed no difference in confidence and attitude scores at these timepoints. Both direct simulation participants and train-the-trainer instructors preferred virtual education, or a hybrid structure, over in-person education. Conclusion Virtual education for obstetric simulation training is feasible, acceptable, and effective. Utilizing a direct simulation model for postpartum hemorrhage management resulted in enhanced knowledge acquisition and retention compared to a train-the-trainer model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen C. Minor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Dr Minor, Dr Bianco, Mr Mayo, Dr Judy, and Dr Leonard)
| | - Katherine Bianco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Dr Minor, Dr Bianco, Mr Mayo, Dr Judy, and Dr Leonard)
| | - Jonathan A. Mayo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Dr Minor, Dr Bianco, Mr Mayo, Dr Judy, and Dr Leonard)
| | - Gillian Abir
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Division of Obstetric Anesthesiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Dr Abir)
| | - Amy E. Judy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Dr Minor, Dr Bianco, Mr Mayo, Dr Judy, and Dr Leonard)
| | - Henry C. Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA (Dr Lee and Ms Schaffer)
| | - Stephanie A. Leonard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Dr Minor, Dr Bianco, Mr Mayo, Dr Judy, and Dr Leonard)
| | - Stephany Ayotte
- Johnson Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Services, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, CA (Ms Ayotte)
| | - Laura C. Hedli
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Ms Hedli and Ms Sie)
| | - Kristen Schaffer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA (Dr Lee and Ms Schaffer)
| | - Lillian Sie
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Ms Hedli and Ms Sie)
| | - Kay Daniels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Dr Daniels)
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Boakye E, Oyeka CP, Kwapong YA, Metlock FE, Khan SS, Mamas MA, Perak AM, Douglas PS, Honigberg MC, Nasir K, Blaha MJ, Sharma G. Cardiovascular Risk Profile Among Reproductive-Aged Women in the U.S.: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2015-2020. AJPM FOCUS 2024; 3:100210. [PMID: 38766464 PMCID: PMC11096844 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2024.100210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Suboptimal cardiovascular health is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term cardiovascular risk. The authors examined trends in cardiovascular risk factors and correlates of suboptimal cardiovascular risk profiles among reproductive-aged U.S. women. Methods With data from 335,959 women in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2015-2020), the authors conducted serial cross-sectional analysis among nonpregnant reproductive-aged women (18-44 years) without cardiovascular disease who self-reported information on 8 cardiovascular risk factors selected on the basis of Life's Essential 8 metrics. The authors estimated the prevalence of each risk factor and suboptimal cardiovascular risk profile (≥2 risk factors) and examined trends overall and by age and race/ethnicity. Using multivariable Poisson regression, the authors assessed the sociodemographic correlates of suboptimal cardiovascular risk profile. Results The weighted prevalence of women aged <35 years was approximately 64% in each survey year. The prevalence of suboptimal cardiovascular risk profile increased modestly from 72.4% (71.6%-73.3%) in 2015 to 75.9% (75.0%-76.7%) in 2019 (p<0.001). This increase was mainly driven by increases in overweight/obesity (53.1%-58.4%; p<0.001). Between 2015 and 2019, significant increases in suboptimal cardiovascular risk profile were observed among non-Hispanic White (69.8%-72.6%; p<0.001) and Hispanic (75.1%-80.3%; p<0.001) women but not among non-Hispanic Black (82.7%-83.7%; p=0.48) or Asian (68.1%-73.2%; p=0.09) women. Older age, rural residence, and non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic race and ethnicity were associated with a higher prevalence of suboptimal cardiovascular risk profile. Conclusions There has been a modest but significant increase in suboptimal cardiovascular risk profile among U.S. women of reproductive age. Urgent preventive efforts are needed to reverse this trend and improve cardiovascular health, particularly among subgroups at increased risk, to mitigate its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Boakye
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chigolum P. Oyeka
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yaa A. Kwapong
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Sadiya S. Khan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mamas A. Mamas
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Centre for Prognosis Research, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda M. Perak
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Pamela S. Douglas
- Division of Cardiology, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael C. Honigberg
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Khurram Nasir
- Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston, Texas
- Center for Outcomes Research, Houston Methodist, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael J. Blaha
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Garima Sharma
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Inova Schar Heart and Vascular, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, Virginia
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Lui B, Khusid E, Tangel VE, Jiang SY, Abramovitz SE, Oxford CM, White RS. Disparities in postpartum readmission by patient- and hospital-level social risk factors in the United States: a retrospective multistate analysis, 2015-2020. Int J Obstet Anesth 2024; 59:103998. [PMID: 38719764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2024.103998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum readmission is an area of focus for improving obstetric care and reducing costs. We examined disparities in all-cause 30-day postpartum readmission by patient- and hospital-level factors in the United States. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2015-2020 records from the State Inpatient Databases from four states. Generalized linear mixed models were constructed to estimate the effects of individual patient- and hospital-level factors on adjusted odds of 30-day readmission after controlling for confounders. Stratified analyses by delivery and anesthesia type (New York only) and interaction models were performed. RESULTS Black mothers were more likely than White mothers to be readmitted within 30-days postpartum (aOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.52 to 1.61). Mothers with public insurance had increased odds of readmission compared with those with private insurance (Medicare: aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.95 to 2.32; Medicaid: aOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.17). Compared with mothers in the lowest income quartile, those in the highest quartile experienced a 14% lower odds of readmission (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.89). There were no significant associations between hospital-level characteristics and readmission. Black mothers were more likely to be readmitted regardless of delivery type and most combinations of delivery and anesthesia type. Black mothers from the highest income quartile were more likely to be readmitted than White mothers from the lowest income quartile. CONCLUSION Substantial disparities in 30-day postpartum readmissions by patient-level social factors were observed, particularly amongst Black mothers. Action is needed to address and mitigate disparities in postpartum readmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lui
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Khusid
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - V E Tangel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Y Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - S E Abramovitz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - C M Oxford
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - R S White
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Smith JG, Brown KK. Rural hospital and obstetric unit closures as social determinants of racial and ethnic maternal health disparities: A scoping review. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:3059-3071. [PMID: 38041583 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To synthesize literature examining (1) rural hospital or obstetric unit closures as a social determinant of maternal/infant health outcomes and (2) closures as a social determinant of racial/ethnic disparities in maternal/infant health outcomes. DESIGN Scoping review. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, OVID/Embase and CINAHL were searched systematically to identify sources from 31 July 2003 to 31 July 2023. The Arksey and O'Malley methodology for scoping reviews was used. RESULTS Four studies from the United States and Australia documented the impact of rural hospital or obstetric unit closures on maternal/infant health outcomes, such as increased births in hospitals without obstetric units, out-of-hospital births or babies born before arrival, preterm birth, infant mortality and sociocultural risks that contribute to clinical risk. No eligible studies investigated hospital or obstetric unit closure as a social determinant of racial disparities in rural maternal/infant health outcomes. CONCLUSION Despite significant racial and ethnic rural maternal health disparities, associations between rural closures and maternal health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities are understudied. More research is needed to understand the extent to which rural closures, a social determinant of health, could disproportionately, negatively affect the health of racially and ethnically minoritized women. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE Rural women have a greater risk of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity compared with urban women, and the impact of rural closures on racial and ethnic maternal health disparities is not well documented. Research about the impact of rural closures on maternal health disparities could inform policy to assure essential obstetric care is available for rural populations globally. IMPACT Findings provide a call to action for research to understand relationships between rural closures and racial and ethnic maternal health disparities, which is especially important for serving rural Non-Hispanic Black and American Indian/Alaska Native women. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica G Smith
- College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
| | - Kyrah K Brown
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, USA
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Daviú-Molinari T, Haefner L, Roberts MC, Faridmoayer E, Sharath SE, Kougias P. Socioeconomic and Regional Variations in Repair Modality for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. J Vasc Surg 2024:S0741-5214(24)01664-1. [PMID: 39094910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.07.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies report that patients of racial/ethnic minorities more frequently present with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) than their counterparts. The distribution of rAAA treatment modality, whether open aneurysm repair (OAR) or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), by race/ethnicity classification remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate disparities, as represented by race/ethnic classification, median income, and insurance status, in the management of rAAA in a national cohort. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with rAAA managed with either OAR or EVAR from 2002 to 2020 using the National Inpatient Sample, comparing repair type by race/ethnicity group. Multilevel mixed effects logistic regression models, adjusted for patient- and system-level factors, were used to calculate difference in use of OAR or EVAR dependent on race/ethnicity classification. RESULTS We identified 10,788 admissions for rAAA repairs, of which 9,506 (88.1%) were White, 605 (5.6%) were Black, 424 (3.9%) were Hispanic, and 253 (2.4%) were Asian/Native American. Asians/Native Americans underwent the highest frequency of OAR as compared to EVAR, (61.7% vs 38.3%). In the adjusted model, there was no statistically significant difference in use of OAR vs. EVAR by race/ethnicity classification. In total, primary payer and median income were also not statistically significant predictors of AAA treatment modality. CONCLUSIONS Our study found no statistical evidence of disparities with respect to race, insurance, and median income and utilization of OAR or EVAR for the management of rAAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Daviú-Molinari
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Lindsay Haefner
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Marie-Claire Roberts
- College of Nursing, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Erfan Faridmoayer
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Sherene E Sharath
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; New York Harbor Health Care System, Operative Care Line/Research Service Line, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Panos Kougias
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; New York Harbor Health Care System, Operative Care Line/Research Service Line, Brooklyn, NY.
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6
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Daviú-Molinari T, Chin-Bong Choi J, Roberts MC, Faridmoayer E, Sharath SE, Kougias P. In-hospital mortality risk after endovascular and open aortic aneurysm repairs for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. J Vasc Surg 2024:S0741-5214(24)01517-9. [PMID: 39002605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Observational studies demonstrate reduced mortality after endovascular (EVAR) compared with open aneurysm repair (OAR) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). We sought to determine national trends in repair type and in-hospital mortality rates for rAAAs. METHODS We analyzed patients with rAAAs managed with OAR or EVAR from 2002 to 2020 in the National Inpatient Sample and evaluated annual trends in volume and in-hospital mortality by repair type. Multilevel mixed effects logistic regression model was fit for patient and system-level risk adjustment. We assessed interactions between time, sex, and Elixhauser index with repair type. RESULTS We examined 13,376 patients with rAAAs. Of these, 8357 (62.5%) underwent OAR. Patients receiving EVAR were slightly older (73.7 vs 72.5 years; P < .001) with slightly higher mean Elixhauser index (4.0 vs 3.8; P < .001). Unadjusted in-hospital mortality was 37.4% vs 22.4% for OAR and EVAR, respectively. EVAR offered a risk-adjusted survival advantage (odds ratio [OR], 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.46). There was a statistically significant reduction of in-hospital mortality over time in the EVAR group (interaction OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.98). The interaction between Elixhauser index and repair was not statistically significant (interaction OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.87-1.05). CONCLUSIONS Survival rates for OAR and EVAR improved over time. EVAR persistently provided a substantial survival advantage over OAR in patients with rAAAs over the past 2 decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Daviú-Molinari
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Justin Chin-Bong Choi
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Marie-Claire Roberts
- College of Nursing, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Erfan Faridmoayer
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Sherene E Sharath
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; New York Harbor Health Care System, Operative Care Line/Research Service Line, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Panos Kougias
- Department of Surgery, State University of New York, Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY; New York Harbor Health Care System, Operative Care Line/Research Service Line, Brooklyn, NY.
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7
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Smith RWA, Nelson RG, Magpiong AR, South SK, Dervarics A, Plattner P, Coe Schweiger B, Reynolds AW. The plantation system and the roots of the southern rural mortality penalty in the northern Blackland Prairies of Texas. Health Place 2024; 88:103234. [PMID: 38833850 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
In recent decades, public health researchers have observed that the health of rural people has declined relative to the health of urban people in the United States. This disparity in health and life expectancy across the rural/urban divide has been described as the Rural Mortality Penalty. However, public health researchers have also noted that health and life expectancies are not uniform across the rural United States, but vary according to race, sex, gender, and other factors. Rural health disparities also vary geospatially and are especially pronounced in the American South, leading to recent calls for greater attention to the structural factors that shape the health of rural Southerners. In this study, we take an anthropological and historically explicit approach to study the impacts of systemic violence on rural health. Specifically, we focus on farm labor within the plantation system as a context where geospatial, racial, and sexual differences in mortality, often studied in isolation, find a common historical source. Here we analyze vital records data from the post-emancipation period in the Blackland Prairies ecoregion of Texas, a period when emerging forms of plantation labor such as tenant farming, convict leasing, and migrant labor were being developed to maintain the plantation economy after the abolishment of chattel slavery. We find that the plantation system remains a strong predictor of differential mortalities in rural Texas, accounting for nearly all the variation that exists across the rural/urban divide and elucidating the complex interactions of race, sex, labor, and health in the rural South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick W A Smith
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA; Women and Gender Studies, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA; Indigenous Science, Technology, and Society Lab, Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Robin G Nelson
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Amanda R Magpiong
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Stacey K South
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Audrey Dervarics
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Paige Plattner
- Department of Anthropology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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Schoen JC, Klipfel JM, Torbenson VE, DeWitt JJ, Sadosty AT, Theiler RN. Leveraging In Situ Simulation for Implementation of Teleobstetric Consultation Services in Rural and Community Hospitals. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 38946617 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Our institution implemented acute-care obstetric (OB) telemedicine (TeleOB) to address rural disparities across our health system. We sought to determine whether in situ simulations with embedded TeleOB consultation increase participants' comfort managing OB emergencies and comfort with and likelihood of using TeleOB. Methods: Rural site care teams participated in multidisciplinary in situ OB emergency simulations. Physicians in OB and neonatology at the referral center assisted via telemedicine consultation. Participants were surveyed before and after the simulations and six months later regarding their experience during the simulations. Results: Participants reported increased comfort with TeleOB activation, indications, and workflow processes, as well as increased comfort managing OB emergencies. Participants also reported significantly increased likelihood of using TeleOB in the future. Conclusions: Consistent with previous work, in situ simulation with embedded telemedicine consultations is an effective approach to facilitate telemedicine implementation and promote use by rural clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Schoen
- Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea and Austin, Austin, Minnesota, USA
| | - Janee M Klipfel
- Mayo Clinic Multidisciplinary Simulation Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Vanessa E Torbenson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jason J DeWitt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic Health System Southwest Minnesota, Mankato, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anne T Sadosty
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Regan N Theiler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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9
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Attanasio L, Jeung C, Geissler KH. Association of Postpartum Mental Illness Diagnoses with Severe Maternal Morbidity. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024; 33:778-787. [PMID: 38153367 PMCID: PMC11310563 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine whether birthing people who experience severe maternal morbidity (SMM) are more likely to be diagnosed with a postpartum mental illness. Materials and Methods: Using the Massachusetts All Payer Claims Database, this study used modified Poisson regression analysis to assess the association of SMM with mental illness diagnosis during the postpartum year, accounting for prenatal mental illness diagnoses and other patient characteristics. Results: There were 128,161 deliveries identified, with 55.0% covered by Medicaid. Of these, 3.1% experienced SMM during pregnancy and/or delivery hospitalization, and 20.1% had a mental illness diagnosis within 1 year postpartum. In adjusted regression analyses, individuals with SMM had a 10.6% increased risk of having any mental illness diagnosis compared to individuals without SMM, primarily due to an increased risk of a depression or post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis among people with SMM than those without SMM. Conclusions: Individuals who experienced SMM had a higher risk of a mental illness diagnosis in the postpartum year. Given increases in SMM in the United States in recent decades, policies to mitigate mental health sequelae of SMM are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Attanasio
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chanup Jeung
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior, School of Public Health, State University of New York—University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Kimberley H. Geissler
- Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School—Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Berkowitz RL, Kan P, Gao X, Hailu EM, Board C, Lyndon A, Mujahid M, Carmichael SL. Assessing the relationship between census tract rurality and severe maternal morbidity in California (1997-2018). J Rural Health 2024; 40:531-541. [PMID: 38054697 PMCID: PMC11153330 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies have demonstrated an increased risk of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) for people living in rural versus urban counties. Studies have not considered rurality at the more nuanced subcounty census-tract level. This study assessed the relationship between census-tract-level rurality and SMM for birthing people in California. METHODS We used linked vital statistics and hospital discharge records for births between 1997 and 2018 in California. SMM was defined by at least 1 of 21 potentially fatal conditions and lifesaving procedures. Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes were used to characterize census tract rurality dichotomously (2-category) and at 4 levels (4-category). Covariates included sociocultural-demographic, pregnancy-related, and neighborhood-level factors. We ran a series of mixed-effects logistic regression models with tract-level clustering, reporting risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the STROBE reporting guidelines. FINDINGS Of 10,091,415 births, 1.1% had SMM. Overall, 94.3% of participants resided in urban/metropolitan and 5.7% in rural tracts (3.9% micropolitan, 0.9% small town, 0.8% rural). In 2-category models, the risk of SMM was 10% higher for birthing people in rural versus urban tracts (95% CI: 6%, 13%). In 4-category models, the risk of SMM was 16% higher in micropolitan versus metropolitan tracts (95% CI: 12%, 21%). CONCLUSION The observed rurality and SMM relationship was driven by living in a micropolitan versus metropolitan tract. Increased risk may result from resource access inequities within suburban areas. Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering rurality at a subcounty level to understand locality-related inequities in the risk of SMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Berkowitz
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, College of Health and Human Sciences, San José State University, San Jose, California
| | - Peiyi Kan
- Department of Pediatrics (Neonatology), Stanford Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Xing Gao
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Elleni M. Hailu
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Christine Board
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | | | - Mahasin Mujahid
- Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Suzan L. Carmichael
- Department of Pediatrics (Neonatology), Stanford Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Maternal and Fetal Medicine), Stanford Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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11
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Meredith ME, Steimle LN, Radke SM. The implications of using maternity care deserts to measure progress in access to obstetric care: a mixed-integer optimization analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:682. [PMID: 38811929 PMCID: PMC11137923 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11135-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of access to risk-appropriate maternity services, particularly for rural residents, is thought to be a leading contributor to disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality. There are several existing measures of access to obstetric care in the literature and popular media. In this study, we explored how current measures of obstetric access inform the number and location of additional obstetric care facilities required to improve access. METHODS We formulated two facility location optimization models to determine the number of new facilities required to minimize the number of reproductive-aged women who lack access to obstetric care. We define regions with a lack of access as either maternity care deserts, designated by the March of Dimes to be counties with no obstetric care facility or obstetric providers, or regions further than 50 miles from critical care obstetric (CCO) services. We gathered information on hospitals with obstetric services from Georgia Department of Public Health public reports and estimated the female reproductive-age population by census block group using the American Community Survey. RESULTS Out of the 1,910,308 reproductive-aged women who live in Georgia, 104,158 (5.5%) live in maternity care deserts, 150,563 (7.9%) reproductive-aged women live further than 50 miles from CCO services, and 38,202 (2.0%) live in both maternity care desert and further than 50 miles from CCO services. Our optimization analysis suggests that at least 56 new obstetric care facilities (a 67% increase) would be required to eliminate maternity care deserts in Georgia. However, the expansion of 8 facilities would ensure all women in Georgia live within 50 miles of CCO services. CONCLUSIONS Current measures of access to obstetric care may not be sufficient for evaluating access and planning action toward improvements. In a state like Georgia with a large number of small counties, eliminating maternity care deserts would require a prohibitively large number of new obstetric care facilities. This work suggests that additional measures and tools are needed to estimate the number and type of obstetric care facilities that best match practical resources to meet obstetric care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Meredith
- H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 755 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318, United States
| | - Lauren N Steimle
- H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 755 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318, United States.
| | - Stephanie M Radke
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Masud N, Hamilton W, Tarasenko Y. Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking, E-cigarette Use, and Dual Use Among Urban and Rural Women During the Peripartum Period, PRAMS 2015-2020. Public Health Rep 2024:333549241251982. [PMID: 38780023 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241251982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evidence has emerged on the health dangers of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among pregnant women and neonates. We examined whether rural residence is a risk factor for smoking and e-cigarette use among women during the peripartum period in the United States. METHODS This study was based on pooled cross-sectional 2015-2020 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. The outcome was exclusive smoking, exclusive e-cigarette use, and use of both products (ie, dual use) versus use of neither tobacco product by women with live infants aged 2 to 6 months. We examined rural-urban differences in outcome by using univariate and multivariable multinomial logistic regressions with post hoc contrasts and marginal analyses, adjusting for complex survey design and nonresponse. RESULTS During the peripartum period, 5.0% of women were smoking combustible cigarettes, 5.0% were using e-cigarettes, and 1.9% were using both tobacco products. The crude prevalence of e-cigarette use was 1.1 percentage point higher, and the adjusted prevalence was 0.8 percentage points lower for rural versus urban women (P < .001 for both). Among rural women, 6.7% (95% CI, 6.3%-7.1%) smoked combustible cigarettes exclusively and 2.6% (95% CI, 2.3%-2.8%) used both products, as compared with 4.5% (95% CI, 4.4%-4.8%) and 1.7% (95% CI, 1.6%-1.8%) of urban women, respectively, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Maternal sociodemographic and health-related characteristics differed by combustible smoking versus e-cigarette use during the peripartum period. The effect of residence on e-cigarette use was significantly confounded by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, resulting in clinically comparable prevalence of e-cigarette use in rural and urban mothers with live infants aged 2 to 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazish Masud
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Whitney Hamilton
- Health Services Administration, Middle Georgia State University, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Yelena Tarasenko
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
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Thenuwara K, Santillan D, Henkle J, Forman J, Dunbar A, Faro E, Hunter S. A Statewide Mobile Simulation Program For Improving Obstetric Skills in Rural Hospitals. Anesth Analg 2024:00000539-990000000-00819. [PMID: 38758671 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Closure of rural obstetric (OB) units has led to maternal care deserts, causing mothers to travel long distances for maternity care. Emergency departments (EDs) in hospitals where OB units have closed require regular training for personnel to maintain OB skills, as do rural Level-1 OB units with low volumes of maternity cases. We used a federal grant to develop an OB mobile simulation program to bring simulation-based training to rural providers. Our goal was to improve OB skills and standardize care through the framework of the Alliance for Innovation in Maternal Health (AIM) Patient Safety Bundles. METHODS We conducted needs assessments and built a mobile simulation unit. We defined 2 groups of learners: those in Level-1 OB units and those in EDs without OB units. For Level-1 OB units, we created a train-the-trainer curriculum, to create a statewide cohort of simulation experts to implement simulations in their facilities between our visits. We gifted each Level-1 unit an OB task trainer, implemented virtual train-the-trainer simulation and task trainer workshops, and conducted post-workshop assessments. We then traveled to each Level-1 unit and helped the cohort implement in situ simulations for their staff using facility-specific resources. We conducted assessments for the cohort and the hospital staff after the simulations. For EDs, we delivered virtual didactics to improve basic OB knowledge, then traveled to ED units, implemented in situ simulations, and conducted post-simulation assessments. We chose a postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) scenario for our first round of simulations. RESULTS After train-the-trainer simulation workshops, 98% of participants surveyed agreed that workshop goals and objectives were achieved. After the task trainer workshop, 95% surveyed agreed that their knowledge of using the simulator had improved. After implementing in situ simulations in Level-1 OB units, 98.8% of the train-the-trainer cohort found that their ability to implement simulations had improved. The hospital staff participating in the simulations identified a 30% increase in ability to manage PPH. For the ED staff, postdidactic evaluations identified that 95.4% of participants reported moderate improvement in basic OB knowledge and after participation in the simulations >95% reported better skills as an ED team member when caring for pregnant patients. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate improved skills of hospital staff in simulated PPH in Level-1 OB units and simulated OB emergencies in EDs that no longer have OB units. Further studies are warranted to assess improvement in maternal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kokila Thenuwara
- From the Department of Anesthesia, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Donna Santillan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jill Henkle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jeana Forman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Amy Dunbar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Elissa Faro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Stephen Hunter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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Fontenot J, Brigance C, Lucas R, Stoneburner A. Navigating geographical disparities: access to obstetric hospitals in maternity care deserts and across the United States. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:350. [PMID: 38720255 PMCID: PMC11080172 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06535-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to maternity care in the U.S. remains inequitable, impacting over two million women in maternity care "deserts." Living in these areas, exacerbated by hospital closures and workforce shortages, heightens the risks of pregnancy-related complications, particularly in rural regions. This study investigates travel distances and time to obstetric hospitals, emphasizing disparities faced by those in maternity care deserts and rural areas, while also exploring variances across races and ethnicities. METHODS The research adopted a retrospective secondary data analysis, utilizing the American Hospital Association and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Provider of Services Files to classify obstetric hospitals. The study population included census tract estimates of birthing individuals sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2017-2021 American Community Survey. Using ArcGIS Pro Network Analyst, drive time and distance calculations to the nearest obstetric hospital were conducted. Furthermore, Hot Spot Analysis was employed to identify areas displaying significant spatial clusters of high and low travel distances. RESULTS The mean travel distance and time to the nearest obstetric facility was 8.3 miles and 14.1 minutes. The mean travel distance for maternity care deserts and rural counties was 28.1 and 17.3 miles, respectively. While birthing people living in rural maternity care deserts had the highest average travel distance overall (33.4 miles), those living in urban maternity care deserts also experienced inequities in travel distance (25.0 miles). States with hotspots indicating significantly higher travel distances included: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Census tracts where the predominant race is American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) had the highest travel distance and time compared to those of all other predominant races/ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed significant disparities in obstetric hospital access, especially affecting birthing individuals in maternity care deserts, rural counties, and communities predominantly composed of AIAN individuals, resulting in extended travel distances and times. To rectify these inequities, sustained investment in the obstetric workforce and implementation of innovative programs are imperative, specifically targeting improved access in maternity care deserts as a priority area within healthcare policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmin Fontenot
- Perinatal Data Center, March of Dimes, 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 1300, Arlington, VA, USA.
| | - Christina Brigance
- Perinatal Data Center, March of Dimes, 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 1300, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Ripley Lucas
- Perinatal Data Center, March of Dimes, 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 1300, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Ashley Stoneburner
- Perinatal Data Center, March of Dimes, 1550 Crystal Drive Suite 1300, Arlington, VA, USA
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Mbata O, Garg B, Caughey AB, Pilliod RA. Differences in Perinatal Outcomes among Rural Women by County Composition. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e249-e258. [PMID: 35709731 DOI: 10.1055/a-1878-0204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We compared differences in perinatal outcomes among rural and nonrural women, stratified by maternal race/ethnicity. We also examined differences between majority minority rural counties with majority White rural counties. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 2015 national vital statistics birth certificate data. Maternal county of residence was identified, and counties with <50,000 people were designated as rural. We compared adverse perinatal outcomes between rural and nonrural residents, stratified by race/ethnicity. Adverse perinatal outcomes included primary term cesarean, preterm birth (PTB) <37 and <32 weeks, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, infant death, small for gestational age, and Apgar's scores <7 and <3 at 5minutes. Majority-minority rural counties were defined as counties having <50% White women. We compared perinatal outcomes among this cohort to those of women from majority White rural counties. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS Within the entire cohort, rural residents were more likely to be younger (age ≥35 years, 10.1 vs. 16.8%; p<0.001), Medicaid beneficiaries (50.3 vs. 44.1%; p<0.001), and uninsured (6.6 vs. 4.2%; p<0.001), and less likely to be married (57.4 vs. 60.20%; p<0.001). Rural residence was associated with Apgar's score <7 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64-2.54) and <3 (aOR=1.90; 95% CI: 1.04-3.48) among Asian women. Rural residence was also associated with PTB <37 weeks among Black (aOR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.06-1.13) and Asian women (aOR=1.16; 95% CI: 1.03-1.31). When compared with majority White rural county of residence, majority-minority rural county of residence was associated with the adverse perinatal outcomes studied. CONCLUSION We observed increased rates of adverse perinatal outcomes among rural women. These trends persisted in majority-minority rural. Additional study is needed to find actionable targets for improving outcomes for rural women. KEY POINTS · Rural county of residence was associated with lower socioeconomic markers.. · Perinatal outcomes were worse among women from rural counties.. · Differences in perinatal outcomes exist among rural women by race/ethnicity..
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Affiliation(s)
- Osinakachukwu Mbata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Bharti Garg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Aaron B Caughey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Rachel A Pilliod
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Scroggins JK, Reuter-Rice K, Brandon D, Yang Q. Maternal Psychological Symptom Trajectories From 2 to 24 Months Postpartum: A Latent Class Growth Analysis. Nurs Res 2024; 73:178-187. [PMID: 38329993 PMCID: PMC11039373 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum women experience an array of psychological symptoms that are associated with adverse health behaviors and outcomes including postpartum suicidal ideation and long-term depression. To provide early management of postpartum psychological symptoms, it is important to understand how the symptom experiences change over time. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine maternal psychological symptom trajectories over 2, 6, 15, and 24 months postpartum using latent class growth analysis and to examine how each trajectory is associated with maternal depression outcome at 24 months. METHODS We used secondary data from the Family Life Project ( N = 1,122) and performed multitrajectory latent class growth analysis based on four observed symptom variables (depression, anxiety, somatization, and hostility). After the final model was identified, bivariate analyses were conducted to examine the association between each trajectory and (a) individual characteristics and (b) outcome (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]) variables. RESULTS A four-class model was selected for the final model because it had better fit indices, entropy, and interpretability. The four symptom trajectories were (a) no symptoms over 24 months, (b) low symptoms over 24 months, (c) moderate symptoms increasing over 15 months, and (d) high symptoms increasing over 24 months. More postpartum women with the trajectory of high symptoms increasing over 24 months (Trajectory 4) were in low economic status (92.16%), unemployed (68.63%), or did not complete 4-year college education (98.04%). Most postpartum women (95.56%) in Trajectory 4 also had higher CES-D cutoff scores, indicating a possible clinical depression at 24 months postpartum. DISCUSSION Postpartum women who experience increasing symptom trajectories over 15-24 months (Trajectories 3 and 4) could benefit from tailored symptom management interventions provided earlier in the postpartum period to prevent persistent and worsening symptom experiences.
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James J, Schultze SR, Lee A, Perkins A, Daniel CL. Proximity to Hospital-Based Obstetric Care in a Maternity Desert in the Deep South. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:S330-S333. [PMID: 38748961 PMCID: PMC11096754 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2024.307692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Objectives. To examine the accessibility of hospital facilities with maternity care services in 1 rural county in Alabama in preparation for the initiation of prenatal care services at a federally qualified health center. Methods. We analyzed driving distance (in miles) from maternal city of residence in Conecuh County, Alabama to hospital of delivery, using 2019-2021 vital statistics data and geographic information system (GIS) software. Results. A total of 370 births to mothers who have home addresses in Conecuh County were reported, and 368 of those were in hospital facilities. The majority of deliveries were less than 30 miles (median = 23 miles) from the maternal city of residence. Some women traveled more than 70 miles for obstetrical care. Conclusions. Pregnant patients in Conecuh County experience significant geographic barriers related to perinatal care access. Using GIS for this analysis is a promising approach to better understand the unique challenges of pregnant individuals in this rural population. Public health policy efforts need to be geographically tailored to address these disparities. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S4):S330-S333. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307692).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna James
- J. James, A. Lee, A. Perkins, and C. L. Daniel are with the College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile. S. R. Schultze is with the departments of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile
| | - Steven R Schultze
- J. James, A. Lee, A. Perkins, and C. L. Daniel are with the College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile. S. R. Schultze is with the departments of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile
| | - Alyssa Lee
- J. James, A. Lee, A. Perkins, and C. L. Daniel are with the College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile. S. R. Schultze is with the departments of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile
| | - Allen Perkins
- J. James, A. Lee, A. Perkins, and C. L. Daniel are with the College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile. S. R. Schultze is with the departments of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile
| | - Casey L Daniel
- J. James, A. Lee, A. Perkins, and C. L. Daniel are with the College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile. S. R. Schultze is with the departments of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of South Alabama, Mobile
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Kern-Goldberger AR, Malhotra T, Zera CA. Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Utilizing telemedicine to address disparities in maternal-fetal medicine: a call to policy action. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:B6-B11. [PMID: 37926134 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The combination of deserts in maternal-fetal medicine coverage across the United States and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the implementation of telemedicine programs for maternal-fetal medicine care delivery. Although telemedicine-based care has the potential to facilitate timely access to maternal-fetal medicine services, which can improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, telemedicine is a relatively novel healthcare modality that needs to be implemented strategically. As with any medical service, telemedicine care requires rigorous evaluation to assess outcomes and ensure quality. Important health policy considerations, including access to services and insurance coverage, have substantial implications for equity in the implementation of telemedicine, particularly for reproductive healthcare following the 2022 United States Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. Investing resources and advocating for a rigorous, widely accessible telemedicine infrastructure at this crucial moment will establish an important foundation for more equitable pregnancy care. Key advocacy priorities for maternal-fetal medicine telemedicine include (1) expanding insurance coverage of telemedicine across payers, regardless of geographic location; (2) advocating for interstate licensure parity; (3) increasing access to affordable Internet and digital literacy training; and (4) ensuring access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, delivered via telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina R Kern-Goldberger
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Tani Malhotra
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, XXX, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Chloe A Zera
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Meredith ME, Steimle LN, Radke SM. The implications of using maternity care deserts to measure progress in access to obstetric care: A mixed-integer optimization analysis. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.10.31.23297779. [PMID: 37961292 PMCID: PMC10635247 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.31.23297779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Lack of access to risk-appropriate maternity services, particularly for rural residents, is thought to be a leading contributor to disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality. There are several existing measures of access to obstetric care in the literature and popular media. In this study, we explored how current measures of obstetric access inform the number and location of additional obstetric care facilities required to improve access. Methods We formulated two facility location optimization models to determine the number of new facilities required to minimize the number of reproductive-aged women who lack access to obstetric care. We define regions with a lack of access as either maternity care deserts, designated by the March of Dimes to be counties with no obstetric care facility or obstetric providers, or regions further than 50 miles from critical care obstetric (CCO) services. We gathered information on hospitals with obstetric services from Georgia Department of Public Health public reports and estimated the female reproductive-age population by census block group using the American Community Survey. Results Out of the 1,910,308 reproductive-aged women who live in Georgia, 104,158 (5.5%) live in maternity care deserts, 150,563 (7.9%) reproductive-aged women live further than 50 miles from CCO services, and 38,202 (2.0%) live in both maternity care desert and further than 50 miles from CCO services. Our optimization analysis suggests that at least 56 new obstetric care facilities (a 67% increase) would be required to eliminate maternity care deserts in Georgia. However, and the expansion of 8 facilities would ensure all women in Georgia live within 50 miles of CCO services. Conclusions Current measures of access to obstetric care may not be sufficient for evaluating access and planning action toward improvements. In a state like Georgia with a large number of small counties, eliminating maternity care deserts would require a prohibitively large number of new obstetric care facilities. This work suggests that additional measures and tools are needed to estimate the number and type of obstetric care facilities that best match practical resources to meet obstetric care needs.
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Dhaurali S, Acevedo A, Abrams L, Shrestha S. Psychosocial Stressors and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Are Linked to Postpartum Contraceptive Use. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024. [PMID: 38574265 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2023.0719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Postpartum contraception plays a critical role in reducing the occurrence of rapid subsequent pregnancy, offering individuals reproductive choice, and promoting overall reproductive planning and well-being. In this study, we investigated the relationship between psychosocial stress during pregnancy, postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS), and postpartum contraceptive use. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (2012-2019), which included comprehensive information about maternal experiences, views, and needs before, during, and after pregnancy from four states and a large city, with a total sample size of N = 36,356. We conducted descriptive analyses as well as adjusted multivariable logistic regression models. Main Findings: Our findings demonstrate significant negative associations between partner-related (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.76-0.89, p ≤ 0.001) and trauma-related (aOR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.92, p ≤ 0.001) stressors and postpartum contraceptive use. Additionally, we observed a negative association between PDS and postpartum contraceptive use (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.97, p ≤ 0.01), indicating that individuals experiencing PDS are less likely to utilize contraception after giving birth. Furthermore, our study highlights racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and parity postpartum contraceptive use disparities. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the importance of incorporating psychosocial stressors and mental health into the promotion of effective postpartum contraception practices. These results have valuable implications for health care providers, policymakers, and researchers as they can guide the development of targeted interventions and support systems to contribute to improved reproductive health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhecchha Dhaurali
- Department of Community Health, School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Maternal Health Epidemiology and Data Synthesis Unit, Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea Acevedo
- Department of Community Health, School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leah Abrams
- Department of Community Health, School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shikhar Shrestha
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Maternal Health Epidemiology and Data Synthesis Unit, Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Shah LM, Patel H, Faisaluddin M, Kwapong YA, Patel BA, Choi E, Satti DI, Oyeka CP, Hegde S, Dani SS, Sharma G. Rural/urban disparities in the trends and outcomes of peripartum cardiomyopathy in delivery hospitalizations. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102433. [PMID: 38301915 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rural-urban disparities in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are not well known. We examined rural-urban differences in maternal, fetal, and cardiovascular outcomes in PPCM during delivery hospitalizations. METHODS We used 2003-2020 data from the National Inpatient Sample for delivery hospitalizations in individuals with PPCM. The 9th and 10th editions of the International Classification of Diseases were used to identify PPCM and cardiovascular, maternal, and fetal outcomes. Rural and urban hospitalizations for PPCM were 1:1 propensity score-matched using relevant clinical and sociodemographic variables. Odds of in-hospital mortality were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS Among 72,880 delivery hospitalizations with PPCM, 4,571 occurred in rural locations, while 68,309 occurred in urban locations. After propensity matching, there were a total of 4,571 rural-urban pairs. There was significantly higher in-hospital mortality in urban compared to rural hospitalizations (adjusted OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.10-1.89). Urban PPCM hospitalizations had significantly higher cardiogenic shock (2.9% vs. 1.3%), mechanical circulatory support (1.0% vs. 0.6%), cardiac arrest (2.3% vs. 0.9%), and VT/VF (4.5% vs. 2.1%, all p <.05). Additionally, urban PPCM hospitalizations had worse maternal and fetal outcomes as compared to rural hospitalizations, including higher preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and fetal death (all p<.05). Notably, significantly more rural individuals were transferred to a short-term hospital (including tertiary care centers) compared to urban individuals (13.5% vs. 3.2%, p<.0001). CONCLUSIONS There are significant rural-urban disparities in delivery hospitalizations with PPCM. Worse outcomes were associated with urban hospitalizations, while rural PPCM hospitalizations were associated with increased transfers, suggesting inadequate resources and advanced sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lochan M Shah
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, United States
| | - Harsh Patel
- Department of Cardiology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, United States
| | | | - Yaa A Kwapong
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, United States
| | - Bhavin A Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Trinity Health Oakland/Wayne State University, Pontiac, MI, United States
| | - Eunjung Choi
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, United States
| | - Danish Iltaf Satti
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, United States
| | - Chigolum P Oyeka
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, United States
| | - Shruti Hegde
- Department of Cardiology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Sourbha S Dani
- Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Garima Sharma
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, United States; Inova Schar Heart and Vascular Institute, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, VA, United States.
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22
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Kozhimannil KB, Sheffield EC, Fritz AH, Henning‐Smith C, Interrante JD, Lewis VA. Rural/urban differences in rates and predictors of intimate partner violence and abuse screening among pregnant and postpartum United States residents. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14212. [PMID: 37553107 PMCID: PMC10915503 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe rates and predictors of perinatal intimate partner violence (IPV) and rates and predictors of not being screened for abuse among rural and urban IPV victims who gave birth. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING This analysis utilized 2016-2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 45 states and three jurisdictions. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study using multistate survey data. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS This analysis included 201,413 survey respondents who gave birth in 2016-2020 (n = 42,193 rural and 159,220 urban respondents). We used survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models, stratified by rural/urban residence, to estimate adjusted predicted probabilities and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for two outcomes: (1) self-reported experiences of IPV (physical violence by a current or former intimate partner) and (2) not receiving abuse screening at health care visits before, during, or after pregnancy. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Rural residents had a higher prevalence of perinatal IPV (4.6%) than urban residents (3.2%). Rural respondents who were Medicaid beneficiaries, 18-35 years old, non-Hispanic white, Hispanic (English-speaking), or American Indian/Alaska Native had significantly higher predicted probabilities of experiencing perinatal IPV compared with their urban counterparts. Among respondents who experienced perinatal IPV, predicted probabilities of not receiving abuse screening were 21.3% for rural and 16.5% for urban residents. Predicted probabilities of not being screened for abuse were elevated for rural IPV victims who were Medicaid beneficiaries, 18-24 years old, or unmarried, compared to urban IPV victims with those same characteristics. CONCLUSIONS IPV is more common among rural birthing people, and rural IPV victims are at higher risk of not being screened for abuse compared with their urban peers. IPV prevention and support interventions are needed in rural communities and should focus on universal abuse screening during health care visits and targeted support for those at greatest risk of perinatal IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katy Backes Kozhimannil
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Emily C. Sheffield
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Alyssa H. Fritz
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Carrie Henning‐Smith
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Julia D. Interrante
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
- Division of Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of Minnesota, University of Minnesota School of Public HealthMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Valerie A. Lewis
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementGillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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Huang RS, Spence AR, Abenhaim HA. Racial disparities in national maternal mortality trends in the United States from 2000 to 2019: a population-based study on 80 million live births. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1315-1322. [PMID: 36933039 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06999-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the United States (US), deaths during pregnancy and childbirth have increased over the past 2 decades compared to other high-income countries, and there have been reports that racial disparities in maternal mortality have widened. The study objective was to examine recent trends in maternal mortality in the US by race. METHODS Our population-based cross-sectional study used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2000-2019 "Birth Data" and "Mortality Multiple Cause" data files from the US to calculate maternal mortality during pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium across race. Logistic regression models estimated the effects of race on the risk of maternal mortality and examined temporal changes in risk across race. RESULTS A total of 21,241 women died during pregnancy and childbirth, with 65.5% caused by obstetrical complications and 34.5% by non-obstetrical causes. Black women, compared with White women, had greater risk of maternal mortality (OR 2.13, 95% CI 2.06-2.20), as did American Indian women (2.02, 1.83-2.24). Overall maternal mortality risk increased during the 20-year study period, with an annual increase of 2.4 and 4.7/100,000 among Black and American Indian women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Between 2000 and 2019, maternal mortality in the US increased, overall and especially in American Indian and Black women. Targeted public health interventions to improve maternal health outcomes should become a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Huang
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andrea R Spence
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Haim A Abenhaim
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 5790 Cote-Des Neiges, Pav. H 325, Montreal, QC, H3S 1Y9, Canada.
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Damiri B, Abumohsen H, BelKebir S, Hamdan M, Saudi L, Hindi H, Abdaldaem R, Bustami B, Almusleh A, Yasin O. The epidemiology of gestational diabetes, gestation hypertension, and anemia in North Palestine from 2018 to 2020: A retrospective study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301145. [PMID: 38551942 PMCID: PMC10980252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Palestine, women face a challenging environment and a demanding lifestyle, which puts them at a higher risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine the risk factors linked with abnormal hemoglobin (Hb) levels, gestational diabetes (GD), and gestational hypertension (GH) among pregnant women. The results was compared between women residing in cities or villages areas and those in refugee camps. METHODS Medical records (N = 7889) for pregnant women at primary healthcare centers in the North West Bank were reviewed for sociodemographic and medical data along with the reported fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin, and blood pressure in the first and second trimesters from July 2018 to July 2020. However, only 6640 were included in the analysis as 1249 were excluded for having multiple pregnancy or lost to follow up. Complications and risk factors were defined according to the available global guidelines. Then, descriptive analysis was used to show the percentages of different risk factors and complications among them. The correlation between the several characteristics and variables with these complications was assessed by calculating the odds ratios (OR) using logistic regression. P-values of <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS The prevalence of adolescent pregnancy was the highest among women living in rural areas (9.8%) and grand multigravidity among refugee women (22%). The overall prevalence of anemia was higher in the second-trimester (16.2%) than in the first-trimester (11.2%), with anemic women in the first-trimester being more likely to be anemic in the second-trimester (OR = 8.223, P-value<0.001). Although anemia was less common in the first-trimester among refugees than among women living in urban areas (OR = 0.768, P-value = 0.006), it was more prevalent in the second-trimester (OR = 1.352, P-value<0.001). Moreover, refugee women were at lower risk than women living in urban areas of having GD (OR = 0.687, P-value<0.001) and diabetes mellitus (OR = 0.472, P-value<0.001) in the second-trimester. GH was associated with GD (OR = 1.401, P-value = 0.003) and DM (OR = 1.966, P-value<0.001). CONCLUSION The findings of this study provide evidence-based data on the considerable prevalence of pregnancy complications, anemia, GD, and GH among Palestinian pregnant women living in the north of the West Bank. Multi gravida, gestational age, Hb levels, and the type of settings were strong predictors of pregnancy complications. Therefore, a national plan is needed to ensure adequate maternal care for all, especially disadvantaged women, those in rural areas and refugee camps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma Damiri
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Drug, and Toxicology Division, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Haytham Abumohsen
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Department of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Souad BelKebir
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Family and Community Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Mahmoud Hamdan
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Graduate School, Clinical Laboratory Science Program, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Lubna Saudi
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Family and Community Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Hiba Hindi
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Department of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Rawnaq Abdaldaem
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Department of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Baraa Bustami
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Department of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Abeer Almusleh
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Department of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Osama Yasin
- Medicine & Health Science Faculty, Department of Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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Tori ME, Gosdin L, Shih Y, Hung P, Li X, Liu J. Association of COVID-19 pandemic societal closures with gestational weight gain among women in South Carolina, 2018-2021. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 91:51-57. [PMID: 38331235 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE During the early COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in weight gain among the general population was observed; however, gestational weight gain (GWG) was not thoroughly evaluated. We evaluated changes in GWG during the pandemic closures in South Carolina. METHODS We used live, singleton birth records to compare GWG outcomes among three pregnancy groups occurring before (January 2018-February 2020), during (March-May 2020), and after (June 2020-December 2021) pandemic closures. GWG categories were defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations. We used multinomial logistic regression models to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs) of GWG categories stratified by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) category. RESULTS We analyzed 177,571 birth records. Women with normal weight (n = 64,491, 36%) had a slightly lower prevalence of excessive GWG during and after the pandemic closures (PR 0.94; 95% CI: 0.91-0.98 and PR 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93-0.98, respectively). We observed no changes in GWG patterns for women with overweight and obesity. CONCLUSIONS We found limited changes in GWG patterns for a subset of pregnant women during and after pandemic closures, compared with prepandemic period in South Carolina, countering findings of weight changes among the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco E Tori
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, USC Arnold School of Public Health, 2100 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, USA.
| | - Lucas Gosdin
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta GA 30341, USA.
| | - Yiwen Shih
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Peiyin Hung
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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Nyarko SH, Greenberg LT, Phibbs CS, Buzas JS, Lorch SA, Rogowski J, Saade GR, Passarella M, Boghossian NS. Association between stillbirth and severe maternal morbidity. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:364.e1-364.e14. [PMID: 37659745 PMCID: PMC10904670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe maternal morbidity has been increasing in the past few decades. Few studies have examined the risk of severe maternal morbidity among individuals with stillbirths vs individuals with live-birth deliveries. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk of severe maternal morbidity among individuals with stillbirths vs individuals with live-birth deliveries during delivery hospitalization as a primary outcome and during the postpartum period as a secondary outcome. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study using birth and fetal death certificate data linked to hospital discharge records from California (2008-2018), Michigan (2008-2020), Missouri (2008-2014), Pennsylvania (2008-2014), and South Carolina (2008-2020). Relative risk regression analysis was used to examine the crude and adjusted relative risks of severe maternal morbidity along with 95% confidence intervals among individuals with stillbirths vs individuals with live-birth deliveries, adjusting for birth year, state of residence, maternal sociodemographic characteristics, and the obstetric comorbidity index. RESULTS Of the 8,694,912 deliveries, 35,012 (0.40%) were stillbirths. Compared with individuals with live-birth deliveries, those with stillbirths were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black (10.8% vs 20.5%); have Medicaid (46.5% vs 52.0%); have pregnancy complications, including preexisting diabetes mellitus (1.1% vs 4.3%), preexisting hypertension (2.3% vs 6.2%), and preeclampsia (4.4% vs 8.4%); have multiple pregnancies (1.6% vs 6.2%); and reside in South Carolina (7.4% vs 11.6%). During delivery hospitalization, the prevalence rates of severe maternal morbidity were 791 cases per 10,000 deliveries for stillbirths and 154 cases per 10,000 deliveries for live-birth deliveries, whereas the prevalence rates for nontransfusion severe maternal morbidity were 502 cases per 10,000 deliveries for stillbirths and 68 cases per 10,000 deliveries for live-birth deliveries. The crude relative risk for severe maternal morbidity was 5.1 (95% confidence interval, 4.9-5.3), whereas the adjusted relative risk was 1.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.5-1.8). For nontransfusion severe maternal morbidity among stillbirths vs live-birth deliveries, the crude relative risk was 7.4 (95% confidence interval, 7.0-7.7), whereas the adjusted relative risk was 2.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.8-2.3). This risk was not only elevated among individuals with stillbirth during the delivery hospitalization but also through 1 year after delivery (severe maternal morbidity adjusted relative risk, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.4; nontransfusion severe maternal morbidity adjusted relative risk, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.3). CONCLUSION Stillbirth was found to be an important contributor to severe maternal morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel H Nyarko
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | | | - Ciaran S Phibbs
- Health Economics Resource Center and Center for Implementation to Innovation, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA; Perinatal Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Jeffrey S Buzas
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
| | - Scott A Lorch
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jeannette Rogowski
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
| | - George R Saade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
| | - Molly Passarella
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nansi S Boghossian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
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Habte A, Bizuayehu HM, Lemma L, Sisay Y. Road to maternal death: the pooled estimate of maternal near-miss, its primary causes and determinants in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:144. [PMID: 38368373 PMCID: PMC10874058 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06325-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal near-miss (MNM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) working group as a woman who nearly died but survived a life-threatening condition during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy due to getting quality of care or by chance. Despite the importance of the near-miss concept in enhancing quality of care and maternal health, evidence regarding the prevalence of MNM, its primary causes and its determinants in Africa is sparse; hence, this study aimed to address these gaps. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published up to October 31, 2023, was conducted. Electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Directory of Open Access Journals), Google, and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant studies. Studies from any African country that reported the magnitude and/or determinants of MNM using WHO criteria were included. The data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheet and analysed by STATA version 16. Pooled estimates were performed using a random-effects model with the DerSimonian Laired method. The I2 test was used to analyze the heterogeneity of the included studies. RESULTS Sixty-five studies with 968,555 participants were included. The weighted pooled prevalence of MNM in Africa was 73.64/1000 live births (95% CI: 69.17, 78.11). A high prevalence was found in the Eastern and Western African regions: 114.81/1000 live births (95% CI: 104.94, 123.59) and 78.34/1000 live births (95% CI: 67.23, 89.46), respectively. Severe postpartum hemorrhage and severe hypertension were the leading causes of MNM, accounting for 36.15% (95% CI: 31.32, 40.99) and 27.2% (95% CI: 23.95, 31.09), respectively. Being a rural resident, having a low monthly income, long distance to a health facility, not attending formal education, not receiving ANC, experiencing delays in health service, having a previous history of caesarean section, and having pre-existing medical conditions were found to increase the risk of MNM. CONCLUSION The pooled prevalence of MNM was high in Africa, especially in the eastern and western regions. There were significant variations in the prevalence of MNM across regions and study periods. Strengthening universal access to education and maternal health services, working together to tackle all three delays through community education and awareness campaigns, improving access to transportation and road infrastructure, and improving the quality of care provided at service delivery points are key to reducing MNM, ultimately improving and ensuring maternal health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aklilu Habte
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia.
| | | | - Lire Lemma
- Department of Health Informatics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Ethiopia
| | - Yordanos Sisay
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Health Science and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
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Auty SG, Daw JR, Admon LK, Gordon SH. Comparing approaches to identify live births using the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System. Health Serv Res 2024; 59:e14233. [PMID: 37771156 PMCID: PMC10771902 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of different approaches for identifying live births using Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System Analytic Files (TAF). DATA SOURCES The primary data source for this study were TAF inpatient (IP), other services (OT), and demographic and eligibility files. These data contain administrative claims for Medicaid enrollees in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. STUDY DESIGN We compared five approaches for identifying live birth counts obtained from the TAF IP and OT data with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Natality data-the gold standard for birth counts at the state level. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS The five approaches used varying combinations of diagnosis and procedure, revenue, and place of service codes to identify live births. Approaches 1 and 2 follow guidance developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Approaches 3 and 4 build on the approaches developed by CMS by including all inpatient hospital claims in the OT file and excluding codes related to delivery services for infants, respectively. Approach 5 applied Approach 4 to only the IP file. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Approach 4, which included all inpatient hospital claims in the OT file and excluded codes related to infants to identify deliveries, achieved the best match of birth counts relative to CDC birth record data, identifying 1,656,794 live births-a national overcount of 3.6%. Approaches 1 and 3 resulted in larger overcounts of births (20.5% and 4.5%), while Approaches 2 and 5 resulted in undercounts of births (-3.4% and -6.8%). CONCLUSIONS Including claims from both the IP and OT files, and excluding codes unrelated to the delivery episode and those specific to services rendered to infants improves accuracy of live birth identification in the TAF data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha G. Auty
- Department of Health Law, Policy and ManagementBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Jamie R. Daw
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementColumbia Mailman School of Public HealthNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Lindsay K. Admon
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of MichiganFlintMichiganUSA
| | - Sarah H. Gordon
- Department of Health Law, Policy and ManagementBoston University School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Aijaz M, Bozkurt B, Planey AM, Cilenti D, Khairat S, Shea CM. The evolution of health system planning and implementation of maternal telehealth services during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241259858. [PMID: 38832100 PMCID: PMC11146003 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241259858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Differential access to healthcare is associated with disparities in maternal outcomes. Telehealth is one approach for improving access to maternal services. However, little is known regarding how health systems leverage telehealth to close the access gap. Objective This study examines how health systems have approached decisions about using telehealth for maternal services before and during the COVID-19 public health emergency and what factors were considered. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 health system leaders between July and October 2021 and June and August 2022. We used a rapid analysis followed by a content analysis approach. Results Five health systems did not provide maternal telehealth services before the PHE due to a lack of reimbursement. Two health systems provided limited services as research endeavors, and one had integrated telehealth into routine maternity care. During the PHE, all transitioned to telehealth, with the primary consideration being patient and staff safety. At the time of the interview, key considerations shifted to patient access, patient preferences, patient complexity, return on investment, and staff burnout. However, several barriers impacted telehealth use, including coverage of portable devices and connectivity. These issues were reported to be common among underinsured, low-income, and rural patients. Health systems with particularly advanced capabilities worked on approaches to fill access gaps for these patients. Conclusion Some health systems prioritized telehealth to improve access to high-quality maternal services for patients at the highest risk of adverse outcomes. However, policy and patient-level barriers to equitable implementation of these services persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monisa Aijaz
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Burcu Bozkurt
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Arrianna Marie Planey
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Dorothy Cilenti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Saif Khairat
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Christopher M Shea
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
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Venkatesh KK, Huang X, Cameron NA, Petito LC, Joseph J, Landon MB, Grobman WA, Khan SS. Rural-urban disparities in pregestational and gestational diabetes in pregnancy: Serial, cross-sectional analysis of over 12 million pregnancies. BJOG 2024; 131:26-35. [PMID: 37366023 PMCID: PMC10751384 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare trends in pregestational (DM) and gestational diabetes (GDM) in pregnancy in rural and urban areas in the USA, because pregnant women living in rural areas face unique challenges that contribute to rural-urban disparities in adverse pregnancy outcomes. DESIGN Serial, cross-sectional analysis. SETTING US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Natality Files from 2011 to 2019. POPULATION A total of 12 401 888 singleton live births to nulliparous women aged 15-44 years. METHODS We calculated the frequency (95% confidence interval [CI]) per 1000 live births, the mean annual percentage change (APC), and unadjusted and age-adjusted rate ratios (aRR) of DM and GDM in rural compared with urban maternal residence (reference) per the NCHS Urban-Rural Classification Scheme overall, and by delivery year, reported race and ethnicity, and US region (effect measure modification). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The outcomes (modelled separately) were diagnoses of DM and GDM. RESULTS From 2011 to 2019, there were increases in both the frequency (per 1000 live births; mean APC, 95% CI per year) of DM and GDM in rural areas (DM: 7.6 to 10.4 per 1000 live births; APC 2.8%, 95% CI 2.2%-3.4%; and GDM: 41.4 to 58.7 per 1000 live births; APC 3.1%, 95% CI 2.6%-3.6%) and urban areas (DM: 6.1 to 8.4 per 1000 live births; APC 3.3%, 95% CI 2.2%-4.4%; and GDM: 40.8 to 61.2 per 1000 live births; APC 3.9%, 95% CI 3.3%-4.6%). Individuals living in rural areas were at higher risk of DM (aRR 1.48, 95% CI 1.45%-1.51%) and GDM versus those in urban areas (aRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.16%-1.18%). The increased risk was similar each year for DM (interaction p = 0.8), but widened over time for GDM (interaction p < 0.01). The rural-urban disparity for DM was wider for individuals who identified as Hispanic race/ethnicity and in the South and West (interaction p < 0.01 for all); and for GDM the rural-urban disparity was generally wider for similar factors (i.e. Hispanic race/ethnicity, and in the South; interaction p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS The frequency of DM and GDM increased in both rural and urban areas of the USA from 2011 to 2019 among nulliparous pregnant women. Significant rural-urban disparities existed for DM and GDM, and increased over time for GDM. These rural-urban disparities were generally worse among those of Hispanic race/ethnicity and in women who lived in the South. These findings have implications for delivering equitable diabetes care in pregnancy in rural US communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik K. Venkatesh
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine (Columbus, OH)
| | - Xiaoning Huang
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine (Chicago, IL)
| | - Natalie A. Cameron
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics (Chicago, IL)
| | - Lucia C. Petito
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine (Chicago, IL)
| | - Joshua Joseph
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Medicine (Columbus, OH)
| | - Mark B. Landon
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine (Columbus, OH)
| | - William A. Grobman
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine (Columbus, OH)
| | - Sadiya S. Khan
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine (Chicago, IL)
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology (Chicago, IL)
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Roese N, Lan CW, Tirumala K, Joshi S. Community-Level Factors are Predictors of Severe Maternal Morbidity Among American Indian and Alaska Native Pregnant People in the Pacific Northwest in a Multilevel Logistic Regression. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:125-134. [PMID: 37955840 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03811-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) pregnant people face barriers to health and healthcare that put them at risk of pregnancy complications. Rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) among Indigenous pregnant people are estimated to be twice that of non-Hispanic White (NHW) pregnant people. METHODS Race-corrected Oregon Hospital Discharge and Washington Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System data were combined to create a joint dataset of births between 2012 and 2016. The analytic sample was composed of 12,535 AI/AN records and 313,046 NHW records. A multilevel logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between community-level, individual and pregnancy risk factors on SMM for AI/AN pregnant people. RESULTS At the community level, AI/AN pregnant people were more likely than NHW to live in mostly or completely rural counties with low median household income and high uninsured rates. They were more likely to use Medicaid, be in a high-risk age category, and have diabetes or obesity. During pregnancy, AI/AN pregnant people were more likely to have insufficient prenatal care (PNC), gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. In the multilevel model, county accounted for 6% of model variance. Hypertension pre-eclampsia, and county rurality were significant predictors of SMM among AI/AN pregnant people. High-risk age, insufficient PNC and a low county insured rate were near-significant at p < 0.10. DISCUSSION Community-level factors are significant contributors to SMM risk for AI/AN pregnant people in addition to hypertension and pre-eclampsia. These findings demonstrate the need for targeted support in pregnancy to AI/AN pregnant people, particularly those who live in rural and underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Roese
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Chiao Wen Lan
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Karuna Tirumala
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sujata Joshi
- Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Portland, OR, USA
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Planey AM, Bozkurt B, Aijaz M, Weinstein J, Khairat S, Shea CM. Telehealth Use by Pregnancy Stage Among Commercially Insured Patients in the United States, 2016-2019. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:93-102. [PMID: 37327021 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Relatively little is known about the proportion of maternal health services utilized through telehealth and whether rural-urban disparities in telehealth use exist throughout antenatal, delivery, and postpartum phases of maternal services. In this study, we describe patterns of care, including telehealth utilization, by rurality and racial/ethnic composition of the health service area during the antenatal, labor/delivery, and postpartum stages of pregnancy among commercially insured patients between 2016 and 2019. Methods: We present univariate and comparative descriptive statistics of patient and facility characteristics and site of care by the degree of rurality and racial/ethnic composition of the health service area (defined as geozips). The individual-level utilization data for 238,695 patients were aggregated to the geo-zip level (n = 404). Results: Between 2016 and 2019, 3.5% of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum-related visits among commercially insured patients were delivered through telehealth. Telehealth use was higher in the antenatal (3.5% of claim lines) and postpartum (4.1% of claim lines) periods, compared with labor and delivery (0.7% of claim lines). We also found that the proportion of telehealth services (of total services billed) increased with the share of Black and Latinx residents at the geozip level. Discussion: Our findings highlight disparities in telehealth use, consistent with findings from studies using different data sources and time periods. Future research is needed to examine whether the relative differences in proportion of telehealth services, even if small, are associated with telehealth capacity in the hospital or community and why the proportion of telehealth services differs across community-level characteristics, specifically rurality and proportion of Black and Latinx residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arrianna Marie Planey
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Burcu Bozkurt
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Monisa Aijaz
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Josh Weinstein
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Saif Khairat
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher M Shea
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Du R, Ali MM, Sung YS, Pandit AA, Payakachat N, Ounpraseuth ST, Magann EF, Eswaran H. Maternal comorbidity index and severe maternal morbidity among medicaid covered pregnant women in a US Southern rural state. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2167073. [PMID: 36683016 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2167073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rates of SMM have been steadily increasing in Arkansas, a southern rural state, which has the 5th highest maternal death rate among the US states. The aims of the study were to test the functionality of the Bateman index in association to SMM, in clustering the risks of pregnancies to SMM, and to study the predictability of SMM using the Bateman index. STUDY DESIGN From the ANGELS database, 72,183 pregnancies covered by Medicaid in Arkansas between 2013 and 2016 were included in this study. The expanded CDC ICD-9/ICD-10 criteria were used to identify SMM. The Bateman comorbidity index was applied in quantifying the comorbidity burden for a pregnancy. Multivariable logistic regressions, KMeans method, and five widely used predictive models were applied respectively for each of the study aims. RESULTS SMM prevalence remained persistently high among Arkansas women covered by Medicaid (195 per 10,000 deliveries) during the study period. Using the Bateman comorbidity index score, the study population was divided into four groups, with a monotonically increasing odds of SMM from a lower score group to a higher score group. The association between the index score and the occurrence of SMM is confirmed with statistical significance: relative to Bateman score falling in 0-1, adjusted Odds Ratios and 95% CIs are: 2.1 (1.78, 2.46) for score in 2-5; 5.08 (3.81, 6.79) for score in 6-9; and 8.53 (4.57, 15.92) for score ≥10. Noticeably, more than one-third of SMM cases were detected from the studied pregnancies that did not have any of the comorbid conditions identified. In the prediction analyses, we observed minimal predictability of SMM using the comorbidity index: the calculated c-statistics ranged between 62% and 67%; the Precision-Recall AUC values are <7% for internal validation and <9% for external validation procedures. CONCLUSIONS The comorbidity index can be used in quantifying the risk of SMM and can help cluster the study population into risk tiers of SMM, especially in rural states where there are disproportionately higher rates of SMM; however, the predictive value of the comorbidity index for SMM is inappreciable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Du
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Mir M Ali
- Institute for Digital Health & Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Yi-Shan Sung
- Institute for Digital Health & Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Ambrish A Pandit
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Nalin Payakachat
- Division of Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Policy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Songthip T Ounpraseuth
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Everett F Magann
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Hari Eswaran
- Institute for Digital Health & Innovation, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Liu J, Hung P, Zhang J, Olatosi B, Shih Y, Liang C, Campbell BA, Hikmet N, Li X. Severe maternal morbidity by race and ethnicity before vs. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 88:51-61. [PMID: 37952778 PMCID: PMC10843780 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the change in racial disparity in severe maternal morbidity (SMM) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and SMM. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used linked databases of all livebirths delivered between 2018 and 2021 in South Carolina (n = 162,576). Exposures were 1) pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (before vs. March 2020 onwards); 2) SARS-CoV-2 infection, severity, and timing of first infection. Log-binomial regression models were used. RESULTS SMM rate was higher among pandemic childbirths than pre-pandemic period (p = 0.06). The risk of SMM among Hispanics was doubled from pre-pandemic to pandemic periods (adjusted relative risk (aRR)= 2.50, 95% CI: 1.27, 4.94). During pre-pandemic, compared to White women, Black women (aRR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.14-1.64), while Hispanics had lower risk of SMM (aRR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.24-0.73). During the pandemic, the Black-White difference in the risk of SMM persisted (aRR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.00-1.54) and Hispanic-White difference in SMM risk became insignificant (aRR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.54-1.34). SARS-CoV-2 infection, its severity, and the late diagnosis were associated with 1.78-5.06 times higher risk of SMM. CONCLUSIONS During pandemic, Black-White racial disparity in SMM persisted but the relative pre-pandemic advantage in SMM among Hispanic women over White women disappeared during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Peiyin Hung
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bankole Olatosi
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Yiwen Shih
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Berry A Campbell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Two Medical Park, Columbia, SC 29203, USA
| | - Neset Hikmet
- Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Department of Integrated Information Technology, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, 550 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Big Data Health Science Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; Department of Health Promotion, Education, & Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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Ajayi T, Pawelek J, Bhargava H, Faksh A, Radin J. Self-Reported Medication Use Across Racial and Rural or Urban Subgroups of People Who Are Pregnant in the United States: Decentralized App-Based Cohort Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e50867. [PMID: 38015604 DOI: 10.2196/50867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal health outcomes have been underresearched due to people who are pregnant being underrepresented or excluded from studies based on their status as a vulnerable study population. Based on the available evidence, Black people who are pregnant have dramatically higher maternal morbidity and mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups. However, insights into prenatal care-including the use of medications, immunizations, and prenatal vitamins-are not well understood for pregnant populations, particularly those that are underrepresented in biomedical research. Medication use has been particularly understudied in people who are pregnant; even though it has been shown that up to 95% of people who are pregnant take at least 1 or more medications. Understanding gaps in use could help identify ways to reduce maternal disparities and optimize maternal health outcomes. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize and compare the use of prenatal vitamins, immunizations, and commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medications among people who are pregnant, those self-identifying as Black versus non-Black, and those living in rural versus urban regions in the United States. METHODS We conducted a prospective, decentralized study of 4130 pregnant study participants who answered survey questionnaires using a mobile research app that was only available on iOS (Apple Inc) devices. All people who were pregnant, living in the United States, and comfortable with reading and writing in English were eligible. The study was conducted in a decentralized fashion with the use of a research app to facilitate enrollment using an eConsent and self-reported data collection. RESULTS Within the study population, the use of prenatal vitamins, antiemetics, antidepressants, and pain medication varied significantly among different subpopulations underrepresented in biomedical research. Black participants reported significantly lower frequencies of prenatal vitamin use compared to non-Black participants (P<.001). The frequency of participants who were currently receiving treatment for anxiety and depression was also lower among Black and rural groups compared to their non-Black and urban counterparts, respectively. There was significantly lower use of antidepressants (P=.002) and antiemetics (P=.02) among Black compared to non-Black participants. While prenatal vitamin use was lower among participants in rural areas, the difference between rural and urban groups did not reach statistical significance (P=.08). There were no significant differences in vaccine uptake for influenza or tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (TDaP) across race, ethnicity, rural, or urban status. CONCLUSIONS A prospective, decentralized app-based study demonstrated significantly lower use of prenatal vitamins, antiemetics, and antidepressants among Black pregnant participants. Additionally, significantly fewer Black and rural participants reported receiving treatment for anxiety and depression during pregnancy. Future research dedicated to identifying the root mechanisms of these differences can help improve maternal health outcomes, specifically for diverse communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toluwalase Ajayi
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Faculty of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jeff Pawelek
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | | | - Arij Faksh
- Scripps Health, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jennifer Radin
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Haiman MD, Cubbin C. Impact of Geography and Rurality on Preconception Health Status in the United States. Prev Chronic Dis 2023; 20:E101. [PMID: 37943727 PMCID: PMC10684287 DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.230104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal illness and death are largely preventable; however, the field of preconception health needs further study. Geographic region and rurality play a large role in maternal health, and an understanding of the effect of these 2 factors at the individual level could prevent future adverse maternal health outcomes. Methods We developed an abbreviated index of preconception health risk (diabetes, hypertension, body weight, mental health, unintended pregnancy, HIV, alcohol and nicotine use, nutrition, physical activity, receipt of the influenza vaccine) by using data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). A score of 1 was assigned for each behavior factor classified as unhealthy and a score of 0 for each factor classified as healthy, for a total potential score of 11. Respondent women from the 37 states that included the BRFSS family planning supplemental module who were aged 18 to 44 years who could become pregnant (N = 25,999) were included. We used univariate and multivariate regression models to assess the relationship between sociodemographic factors (age, race or ethnicity, relationship status, insurance status, education, income, and rurality and region) and preconception health, with a primary focus on rurality and region. Results The average preconception health risk index score among participants was 3.5, with higher average scores in rural areas than in urban areas. All factors were independently associated with preconception health. Compared with women living in the urban Northeast, women living in all rural and region groups, except the rural West, had increased preconception health risk. Conclusion Preconception health scores from our study showed that, on average, a person had more than 3 risk factors or behaviors. Given the current state of reproductive health policy in the United States, increased efforts are needed to address preconception health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison D Haiman
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Catherine Cubbin
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin
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Khademioore S, Ebrahimi E, Khosravi A, Movahedi S. The effect of an mHealth application based on continuous support and education on fear of childbirth, self-efficacy, and birth mode in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293815. [PMID: 37910495 PMCID: PMC10619799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Fear of Childbirth (FOC) is associated with several adverse health outcomes for children and women. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive mobile health application named Tele-midwifery with an emphasis on continuous care and education, on FOC, self-efficacy, and childbirth mode in primiparous women. METHODS Seventy primiparous women attending the prenatal clinic of Baharlou Hospital in Tehran, Iran, were randomly assigned to two parallel intervention and control groups with 35 participants each. Women in the intervention group received Tele-midwifery for eight weeks, whereas women in the control group only received routine care. The Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire and the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory were used to measure the FOC and self-efficacy at baseline and eight weeks after the intervention. The FOC and birth mode were also measured after birth. RESULTS There was a significant decrease in FOC among women in the intervention group compared to control groups after eight weeks of intervention (- 20.9 [95% Confidence Interval,-24.01 to-17.83], p < 0.001), and after birth (- 30.8, [95% CI-33.8 to-27.97], p < 0.001). After eight weeks, the mean self-efficacy score in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the intervention group had a lower C-Section (CS) rate (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Tele-midwifery intervention reduced FOC, increased women's self-efficacy in childbirth, and decreased the number of CS in a group of first-time mothers. Healthcare providers can use the mHealth approach to support pregnant women with FOC. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registration number: IRCT20200122046227N1, Registered on 27 January 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Khademioore
- Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Ebrahimi
- Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Khosravi
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Shohreh Movahedi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Emery Tavernier RL, McCoy MB, McCarty CA, Mason SM. Trends in Maternal Weight Disparities: Statewide Differences in Rural and Urban Minnesota Residents From 2012 to 2019. Womens Health Issues 2023; 33:636-642. [PMID: 37544860 PMCID: PMC10838365 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite research showing substantial weight disparities along the rural-urban continuum, little work has attempted to identify differences in prepregnancy weight status or gestational weight gain (GWG) outcomes between rural and urban birthing people. As such, the goals of this research were to 1) document the prevalence of prepregnancy overweight and obesity and excessive GWG in rural and urban birthing people and 2) examine changes in rural and urban prepregnancy overweight or obesity and excessive GWG over time. METHODS Birth certificate data provided sociodemographic variables, prepregnancy body mass index, GWG, and rurality status on 465,709 respondents who gave birth in Minnesota from 2012 to 2019. A series of regression models estimated risk differences in 1) prepregnancy weight status and 2) excessive GWG between rural and urban respondents over time, controlling for relevant covariates. RESULTS Rural individuals had a 4.9 percentage-point (95% confidence interval, 4.5-5.3) higher risk of having prepregnancy overweight or obesity compared with urban individuals, and a 2.6 percentage-point (95% confidence interval, 1.9-3.3) higher risk of gaining excessive gestational weight. The disparities in prepregnancy overweight or obesity and excessive gestational weight between rural and urban individuals widened over time. CONCLUSIONS These findings contribute to accumulating evidence documenting notable health disparities between rural and urban individuals during the perinatal period and support the need to develop prevention and treatment efforts focused on improving the weight-related health of individuals living in rural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Emery Tavernier
- Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, Minnesota.
| | | | - Catherine A McCarty
- Department of Family Medicine and Biobehavioral Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, Minnesota
| | - Susan M Mason
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Beck D, Hall S, Costa DK, Admon L. Leveraging Population Health Datasets to Advance Maternal Health Research. Matern Child Health J 2023; 27:1683-1688. [PMID: 37294462 PMCID: PMC10251319 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03695-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal mortality is a public health crisis in the U.S., with no improvement in decades and worsening disparities during COVID-19. Social determinants of health (SDoH) shape risk for morbidity and mortality but maternal structural and SDoH are under-researched using population health data. To expand knowledge of those at risk for or who have experienced maternal morbidity and inform clinical, policy, and legislative action, creative use of and leveraging existing population health datasets is logical and needed. METHODS We review a sample of population health datasets and highlight recommended changes to the datasets or data collection to better inform existing gaps in maternal health research. RESULTS Across each of the datasets we found insufficient representation of pregnant and postpartum individuals and provide recommendations to enhance these datasets to inform maternal health research. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant and postpartum individuals should be oversampled in population health data to facilitate rapid policy and program evaluation. Postpartum individuals should no longer be hidden within population health datasets. Individuals with pregnancies resulting in outcomes other than livebirth (e.g., abortion, stillbirth, miscarriage) should be included, or asked about these experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Beck
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Stephanie Hall
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Deena Kelly Costa
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Yale University, School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lindsay Admon
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Baldomero AK, Kunisaki KM, Wendt CH, Henning-Smith C, Hagedorn HJ, Bangerter A, Dudley RA. Guideline-discordant inhaler regimens after COPD hospitalization: associations with rurality, drive time to care, and fragmented care - a United States cohort study. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 26:100597. [PMID: 37766800 PMCID: PMC10520452 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Many patients receive guideline-discordant inhaler regimens after chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalization. Geography and fragmented care across multiple providers likely influence prescription of guideline-discordant inhaler regimens, but these have not been comprehensively studied. We assessed patient-level differences in guideline-discordant inhaler regimens by rurality, drive time to pulmonary specialty care, and fragmented care. Methods Retrospective cohort analysis using national Veterans Health Administration (VA) data among patients who received primary care and prescriptions from the VA. Patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation between 2017 and 2020 were assessed for guideline-discordant inhaler regimens in the subsequent 3 months. Guideline-discordant inhaler regimens were defined as short-acting inhaler/s only, inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) monotherapy, long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) monotherapy, ICS + LABA, long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) monotherapy, or LAMA + ICS. Rural residence and drive time to the closest pulmonary specialty care were obtained from geocoded addresses. Fragmented care was defined as hospitalization outside the VA. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess associations between rurality, drive time, fragmentated care, and guideline-discordant inhaler regimens. Models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Area Deprivation Index, and region. Findings Of 33,785 patients, 16,398 (48.6%) received guideline-discordant inhaler regimens 3 months after hospitalization. Rural residents had higher odds of guideline-discordant inhalers regimens compared to their urban counterparts (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.18 [95% CI: 1.12-1.23]). The odds of receiving guideline-discordant inhaler regimens increased with longer drive time to pulmonary specialty care (aOR 1.38 [95% CI: 1.30-1.46] for drive time >90 min compared to <30 min). Fragmented care was also associated with higher odds of guideline-discordant inhaler regimens (aOR 1.56 [95% CI: 1.48-1.63]). Interpretation Rurality, long drive time to care, and fragmented care were associated with greater prescription of guideline-discordant inhaler regimens after COPD hospitalization. These findings highlight the need to understand challenges in delivering evidence-based care. Funding NIHNCATS grants KL2TR002492 and UL1TR002494.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianne K. Baldomero
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ken M. Kunisaki
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Chris H. Wendt
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Carrie Henning-Smith
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Hildi J. Hagedorn
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ann Bangerter
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - R. Adams Dudley
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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MacDougall H, Hanson S, Interrante JD, Eliason E. Rural-Urban Differences in Health Care Unaffordability During the Postpartum Period. Med Care 2023; 61:595-600. [PMID: 37561603 PMCID: PMC10421621 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine health care unaffordability for rural and urban residents and by postpartum status. METHODS We used cross-sectional survey data on female-identifying respondents ages 18-44 (n=17,800) from the 2019 to 2021 National Health Interview Study. Outcomes of interest were 3 measures of health care unaffordability. We conducted bivariate and multivariable regression models to assess the association between health care unaffordability, rurality, and postpartum status. RESULTS Bivariate analyses showed postpartum people reported statistically significantly higher rates of being unable to pay medical bills and having problems medical paying bills, as compared with nonpostpartum people. Rural residents also reported statistically significantly higher rates of being unable to pay their medical bills and having problems paying medical bills as compared with urban residents. In adjusted models, the predicted probability of being unable to pay medical bills among postpartum respondents was 12.8% (CI, 10.1-15.5), which was statistically significantly higher than among nonpostpartum respondents. Similarly, postpartum respondents had statistically significantly higher predicted probabilities of reporting problems paying medical bills (18.4%, CI, 15.4-21.4) as compared with nonpostpartum respondents. The rural residency was not significantly associated with the health care unaffordability outcome measures in adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS Both postpartum and rural respondents reported higher rates of being unable to pay medical bills and having problems paying medical bills; however, after adjusting for covariates, only postpartum respondents reported statistically significantly higher rates of these outcomes. These results suggest that postpartum status may present challenges to health care affordability that span the urban/rural context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Erica Eliason
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
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Tenorio B, Whittington JR. Increasing Access: Telehealth and Rural Obstetric Care. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2023; 50:579-588. [PMID: 37500218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Parturients in rural areas face many barriers in access to care, including distance to maternity care sites and lack of maternity providers. Expanding telehealth modalities is recommended to help expand access to care. Although there is increasing evidence in support of telehealth in rural America, the success of telehealth lies in infrastructure (broadband network availability), regional support, and funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Tenorio
- Department of Women's Health, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA
| | - Julie R Whittington
- Department of Women's Health, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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Radke SM, Smeins L, Ryckman KK, Gruca TS. Closure of Labor & Delivery units in rural counties is associated with reduced adequacy of prenatal care, even when prenatal care remains available. J Rural Health 2023; 39:746-755. [PMID: 36999217 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Closure of rural Labor & Delivery (L&D) units can impact timely access to hospital-based obstetrical care. Iowa has lost over a quarter of its L&D units in the previous decade. Assessing the effect of these closures on prenatal care in those rural communities is important to understanding the full effect of unit closures on maternal health care. METHODS Using birth certificate data in Iowa from 2017 to 2019, the initiation of prenatal care and adequacy of prenatal visits were assessed for 47 rural counties in Iowa. Of these, 7 experienced a closure of the only L&D unit between 1/1/2018 and 1/1/2019. The impact of these closures is modeled for all birthing parents and compared for Medicaid versus non-Medicaid recipients. FINDINGS All 7 counties that experienced the loss of their only L&D unit continued to have prenatal care services available. Experiencing a closure of an L&D unit was associated with a lower likelihood of overall adequate prenatal care but not significantly associated with a lower rate of first-trimester prenatal care utilization. Among Medicaid recipients of the communities where an L&D unit closed, there was an association of closure with both a lower likelihood of adequate prenatal care and entry to prenatal care after the first trimester. CONCLUSIONS Utilization of prenatal care is lower in rural communities following L&D unit closure, especially among Medicaid recipients. This suggests that the overall maternal health systems were disrupted by the closure of the L&D unit, impacting the utilization of services that remained available to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Radke
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Laurel Smeins
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kelli K Ryckman
- University of Indiana School of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Thomas S Gruca
- Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Interrante JD, Carroll C, Kozhimannil KB. Understanding categories of postpartum care use among privately insured patients in the United States: a cluster-analytic approach. HEALTH AFFAIRS SCHOLAR 2023; 1:qxad020. [PMID: 38769945 PMCID: PMC11103737 DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The postpartum period is critical for the health and well-being of birthing people, yet little is known about the range of health care services and supports needed during this time. Maternity care patients are often targeted for clinical interventions based on "low risk" or "high risk" designations, but dichotomized measures can be imprecise and may not reflect meaningful groups for understanding needed postpartum care. Using claims data from privately insured patients with childbirths between 2016 and 2018, this study identifies categories and predictors of postpartum care utilization, including the use of maternal care and other, nonmaternal, care (eg, respiratory, digestive). We then compare identified utilization-based categories with typical high- and low-risk designations. Among 269 992 patients, 5 categories were identified: (1) low use (55% of births); (2) moderate maternal care use, low other care use (25%); (3) moderate maternal, high other (8%); (4) high maternal, moderate other (7%); and (5) high maternal, high other (5%). Utilization-based categories were better at differentiating postpartum care use and were more consistent across patient profiles, compared with high- and low-risk dichotomies. Identifying categories of postpartum care need beyond a simple risk dichotomy is warranted and can assist in maternal health services research, policymaking, and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia D Interrante
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Caitlin Carroll
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Katy B Kozhimannil
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
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MacKinnon NJ, Emery V, Waller J, Ange B, Ambade P, Gunja M, Watson E. Mapping Health Disparities in 11 High-Income Nations. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2322310. [PMID: 37418259 PMCID: PMC10329207 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.22310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Health care delivery faces a myriad of challenges globally with well-documented health inequities based on geographic location. Yet, researchers and policy makers have a limited understanding of the frequency of geographic health disparities. Objective To describe geographic health disparities in 11 high-income countries. Design, Setting, and Participants In this survey study, we analyzed results from the 2020 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy (IHP) Survey-a nationally representative, self-reported, and cross-sectional survey of adults from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. Eligible adults older than age 18 years were included by random sampling. Survey data were compared for the association of area type (rural or urban) with 10 health indicators across 3 domains: health status and socioeconomic risk factors, affordability of care, and access to care. Logistic regression was used to determine the associations between countries with area type for each factor, controlling for individuals' age and sex. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes were geographic health disparities as measured by differences in respondents living in urban and rural settings in 10 health indicators across 3 domains. Results There were 22 402 survey respondents (12 804 female [57.2%]), with a 14% to 49% response rate depending on the country. Across the 11 countries and 10 health indicators and 3 domains (health status and socioeconomic risk factors, affordability of care, access to care), there were 21 occurrences of geographic health disparities; 13 of those in which rural residence was a protective factor and 8 of those where rural residence was a risk factor. The mean (SD) number of geographic health disparities in the countries was 1.9 (1.7). The US had statistically significant geographic health disparities in 5 of 10 indicators, the most of any country, while Canada, Norway, and the Netherlands had no statistically significant geographic health disparities. The indicators with the most occurrences of geographic health disparities were in the access to care domain. Conclusions and Relevance In this survey study of 11 high-income nations, health disparities across 10 indicators were identified. Differences in number of disparities reported by country suggest that health policy and decision makers in the US should look to Canada, Norway, and the Netherlands to improve geographic-based health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J. MacKinnon
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Vanessa Emery
- Office of the Provost and Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Jennifer Waller
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Brittany Ange
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Preshit Ambade
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Munira Gunja
- International Program in Health Policy and Practice Innovations, Commonwealth Fund, New York, New York
| | - Emma Watson
- National Health Service Education for Scotland, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Stierman EK, O'Brien BT, Stagg J, Ouk E, Alon N, Engineer LD, Fabiyi CA, Liu TM, Chew E, Benishek LE, Harding B, Terhorst RG, Latif A, Berenholtz SM, Mistry KB, Creanga AA. Statewide Perinatal Quality Improvement, Teamwork, and Communication Activities in Oklahoma and Texas. Qual Manag Health Care 2023; 32:177-188. [PMID: 36913770 PMCID: PMC10290572 DOI: 10.1097/qmh.0000000000000407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe statewide perinatal quality improvement (QI) activities, specifically implementation of Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) patient safety bundles and use of teamwork and communication tools in obstetric units in Oklahoma and Texas. METHODS In January-February 2020, we conducted a survey of AIM-enrolled hospitals in Oklahoma (n = 35) and Texas (n = 120) to gather data on obstetric unit organization and QI processes. Data were linked to hospital characteristics information from the 2019 American Hospital Association survey and hospitals' maternity levels of care from state agencies. We generated descriptive statistics for each state and created an index to summarize adoption of QI processes. We fitted linear regression models to examine how this index varied by hospital characteristics and self-reported ratings for patient safety and AIM bundle implementation. RESULTS Most obstetric units had standardized clinical processes for obstetric hemorrhage (94% Oklahoma; 97% Texas), massive transfusion (94% Oklahoma; 97% Texas), and severe hypertension in pregnancy (97% Oklahoma; 80% Texas); regularly conducted simulation drills for obstetric emergencies (89% Oklahoma; 92% Texas); had multidisciplinary QI committees (61% Oklahoma; 83% Texas); and conducted debriefs after major obstetric complications (45% Oklahoma; 86% Texas). Few obstetric units offered recent staff training on teamwork and communication to their staff (6% Oklahoma; 22% Texas); those who did were more likely to employ specific strategies to facilitate communication, escalate concerns, and manage staff conflicts. Overall, adoption of QI processes was significantly higher in hospitals in urban than rural areas, teaching than nonteaching, offering higher levels of maternity care, with more staff per shift, and greater delivery volume (all P < .05). The QI adoption index scores were strongly associated with respondents' ratings for patient safety and implementation of maternal safety bundles (both P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Adoption of QI processes varies across obstetric units in Oklahoma and Texas, with implications for implementing future perinatal QI initiatives. Notably, findings highlight the need to reinforce support for rural obstetric units, which often face greater barriers to implementing patient safety and QI processes than urban units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Stierman
- Departments of International Health (Drs Stierman and Creanga) and Health Policy and Management (Drs Engineer and Berenholtz), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Oklahoma Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative, Oklahoma City, (Mss O'Brien and Ouk); The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City (Mss O'Brien and Ouk); Community Health Improvement Division, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin (Ms Stagg); Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, District of Columbia (Ms Alon); Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (Drs Engineer, Benishek, Latif, and Berenholtz, Ms Liu, and Mr Terhorst); Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine (Drs Engineer, Benishek, Latif, and Berenholtz) and Gynecology and Obstetrics (Dr Creanga), Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, Maryland (Drs Fabiyi and Mistry and Mss Chew and Harding)
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Buxbaum SG, Arigbede O, Mathis A, Close F, Suther SG, Mazzio E, Saunders-Jones R, Soliman KFA, Darling-Reed SF. Disparities in Infant Nutrition: WIC Participation and Rates of Breastfeeding in Florida. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5988. [PMID: 37297592 PMCID: PMC10253221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Being cognizant of the pronounced health advantages of breastfeeding for both the nursing mother and her infant, the breastfeeding dyad, we examined breastfeeding rates among Floridian women who gave birth from 2012 to 2014 (N = 639,052). We investigated the associations between breastfeeding initiation and WIC-based breastfeeding support (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), education level, and race and ethnicity. We compared the percentage of breastfeeding mothers between those in the WIC program and those who were not, and we compared breastfeeding rates across racial and ethnic groups. Consistent with previous reports, black newborns in this study were breastfed at lower rates than other racial groups, and WIC program participants were less likely to breastfeed than non-WIC program participants. However, by breaking down the data by education level and race, and ethnicity, we see a significantly increased rate of breastfeeding due to WIC participation for both Hispanic and black women with less than a high school education. Further, we assessed differences by insurance type, race, and WIC participation. In multivariable logistic regression, we showed that the WIC program has a significant positive impact on breastfeeding rates for all but white non-Hispanic mothers, independent of sociodemographic and geographic variables. We also note a trend of increasing breastfeeding rates over the study period (p-value < 0.0001), which has positive public health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G. Buxbaum
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
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Thorsen ML, Harris S, Palacios JF, McGarvey RG, Thorsen A. American Indians travel great distances for obstetrical care: Examining rural and racial disparities. Soc Sci Med 2023; 325:115897. [PMID: 37084704 PMCID: PMC10164064 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Rural, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people, a population at elevated risk for complex pregnancies, have limited access to risk-appropriate obstetric care. Obstetrical bypassing, seeking care at a non-local obstetric unit, is an important feature of perinatal regionalization that can alleviate some challenges faced by this rural population, at the cost of increased travel to give birth. Data from five years (2014-2018) of birth certificates from Montana, along with the 2018 annual survey of the American Hospital Association (AHA) were used in logistic regression models to identify predictors of bypassing, with ordinary least squares regression models used to predict factors associated with the distance (in miles) birthing people drove beyond their local obstetric unit to give birth. Logit analyses focused on hospital-based births to Montana residents delivered during this time period (n = 54,146 births). Distance analyses focused on births to individuals who bypassed their local obstetric unit to deliver (n = 5,991 births). Individual-level predictors included maternal sociodemographic characteristics, location, perinatal health characteristics, and health care utilization. Facility-related measures included level of obstetric care of the closest and delivery hospitals, and distance to the closest hospital-based obstetric unit. Findings suggest that birthing people living in rural areas and on American Indian reservations were more likely to bypass to give birth, with bypassing likelihood depending on health risk, insurance, and rurality. AI/AN and reservation-dwelling birthing people traveled significantly farther when bypassing. Findings highlight that distance traveled was even farther for AI/AN people facing pregnancy health risks (23.8 miles farther than White people with pregnancy risks) or when delivering at facilities offering complex care (14-44 miles farther than White people). While bypassing may connect rural birthing people to more risk-appropriate care, rural and racial inequities in access persist, with rural, reservation-dwelling AI/AN birthing people experiencing greater likelihood of bypassing and traveling greater distances when bypassing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie L Thorsen
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Montana State University, USA.
| | - Sean Harris
- Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Montana State University, USA
| | - Janelle F Palacios
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, California, 94611, USA
| | - Ronald G McGarvey
- IESEG School of Management, Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9221 - LEM - Lille Economie Management, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Andreas Thorsen
- Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Montana State University, USA
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Woodward R, Mazure ES, Belden CM, Denslow S, Fromewick J, Dixon S, Gist W, Sullivan MH. Association of prenatal stress with distance to delivery for pregnant women in Western North Carolina. Midwifery 2023; 118:103573. [PMID: 36580848 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rural areas throughout the US continue to see closures of maternity wards and decreasing access to prenatal and intrapartum care. Studies examining closure's impacts have demonstrated both positive and negative effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes of mortality and morbidity. Our study aims to build on growing evidence from Canada and Scandinavia that suggests increased travel time to give birth is associated with increased emotional and financial stress for rural pregnant women. METHODS Pregnant patients at 7 clinic sites in western North Carolina were invited to complete the Rural Pregnancy Experience Scale (RPES) while waiting for their prenatal appointments. Results were analyzed using adjusted linear regressions to examine the correlation between RPES scores and self-reported distance to anticipated birth location as well as RPES scores with recent local labor and delivery closure. FINDINGS A total of 174 participants completed the survey and met inclusion criteria. For every 10 min increase in travel distance to the patient's anticipated place of delivery, RPES scores increased by an average of 0.72 points. Participants who reported a recent labor and delivery unit closure near them saw average increases of 2.52 on the RPES. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are consistent with the growing body of literature internationally that demonstrates the distance required to travel to delivery location is associated with increased stress among rural pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rivers Woodward
- Blue Ridge Community Health Services, 146 Nesbitt Ridge, Lake Lure, North Carolina 28746, United States.
| | - Emily S Mazure
- UNC Health Sciences at Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC 28803, United States.
| | - Charles M Belden
- UNC Health Sciences at Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC 28803, United States.
| | - Sheri Denslow
- UNC Health Sciences at Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC 28803, United States
| | - Jill Fromewick
- UNC Health Sciences at Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, NC 28803, United States.
| | - Suzanne Dixon
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, North Carolina 28803, United States.
| | - William Gist
- Mountain Area Health Education Center, 121 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville, North Carolina 28803, United States.
| | - Margaret H Sullivan
- Mission Hospital McDowell, HCA Healthcare, 472 Rankin Drive Entrance #3, Marion, North Carolina 28752, United States.
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Rural and Urban Differences in Insurance Coverage at Prepregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum. Obstet Gynecol 2023; 141:570-581. [PMID: 36735410 PMCID: PMC9928561 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure insurance coverage at prepregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and insurance coverage continuity across these periods among rural and urban U.S. residents. METHODS We performed a pooled, cross-sectional analysis of survey data from 154,992 postpartum individuals in 43 states and two jurisdictions that participated in the 2016-2019 PRAMS (Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System). We calculated unadjusted estimates of insurance coverage (Medicaid, commercial, or uninsured) during three periods (prepregnancy, birth, and postpartum), as well as insurance continuity across these periods among rural and urban U.S. residents. We conducted subgroup analyses to compare uninsurance rates among rural and urban residents by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We used logistic regression models to generate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for each comparison. RESULTS Rural residents experienced greater odds of uninsurance in each period and continuous uninsurance across all three periods, compared with their urban counterparts. Uninsurance was higher among rural residents compared with urban residents during prepregnancy (15.4% vs 12.1%; aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11-1.28], at birth (4.6% vs 2.8%; aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.41-1.82), and postpartum (12.7% vs 9.8%, aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.17-1.38]. In each period, rural residents who were non-Hispanic White, married, and with intended pregnancies experienced greater adjusted odds of uninsurance compared with their urban counterparts. Rural-urban differences in uninsurance persisted across both Medicaid expansion and non-expansion states, and among those with varying levels of education and income. Rural inequities in perinatal coverage were experienced by Hispanic, English-speaking, and Indigenous individuals during prepregnancy and at birth. CONCLUSION Perinatal uninsurance disproportionately affects rural residents, compared with urban residents, in the 43 states examined. Differential insurance coverage may have important implications for addressing rural-urban inequities in maternity care access and maternal health.
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