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Publication Date

6-28-2024

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Presentation: 5:02

Poster attached as supplemental file below

Abstract

Maternal mortality rates among mothers racialized as Non-Hispanic Black/African American (NHB/AA) are alarmingly high, at 68.9 per 100,000 live births in 2021, nearly three times higher than their Non-Hispanic White (NHW) counterparts. This capstone project looks at the effectiveness of targeted postnatal care interventions in lowering maternal mortality rates among mothers racialized as NHB/AA in the United States. However, there are still significant gaps, particularly in intersectional analyses that looks at how race, socioeconomic status, and other social determinants interact to affect maternal health outcomes. This study investigates the historical context, root causes, and structural barriers to these racial disparities through a rapid systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2024. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive, multifaceted strategies to address the systemic and structural factors that perpetuate these disparities. The study emphasizes the efficacy of systematic and culturally sensitive care approaches, such as improved documentation, navigation programs, telehealth, policy changes, and better postpartum care. This study aims to provide insights and recommendations for healthcare systems to implement evidence-based interventions, with the goal of achieving equitable maternal health outcomes, and improved quality of care for all mothers. By focusing on the postnatal experience and identifying potential interventions, this project contributes to the larger effort to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity among mothers racialized as NHB/AA, thereby promoting a more equitable healthcare system.

Lay Summary

Maternal mortality rates in the United States are a major public health concern, particularly for mothers racialized as Non-Hispanic Black/African American (NHB/AA) who are nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth than mothers racialized as Non-Hispanic White (NHW). This project investigates why these disparities exist and proposes effective solutions to help reduce these disparities, particularly in the critical period following childbirth known as postpartum.

The historical and ongoing issues contribute significantly to these disparities. Mothers racialized as NHB/AA frequently face discrimination in healthcare settings, resulting in inadequate or inappropriate care. Understanding these barriers is critical for developing strategies that will help mothers racialized as NHB/AA overcome them and ensure that they receive the proper & safe care they require.

This project's focus is the postnatal period, which occurs after childbirth. While much emphasis is placed on prenatal and birth care, the postnatal period is critical for the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies. This project will review various studies to determine which postnatal care programs are the most effective in reducing maternal mortality for mothers racialized as NHB/AA. Studies found that structured programs and interventions can significantly reduce maternal mortality. These programs are most effective when they are carefully planned and follow specific steps (systematic approaches) and are tailored to the specific needs of mothers racialized as NHB/AA (culturally sensitive care).

However, there are still numerous gaps in our knowledge. More research is needed to better understand how various factors, such as race, income, and education, interact to influence maternal health. Future research should investigate how these factors interact to affect the health outcomes of mothers racialized as NHB/AA.

Addressing these issues is critical to developing more effective healthcare policies and programs. By ensuring that all mothers receive the care and support they require, we can reduce maternal mortality while also creating healthier communities. This project helps to achieve this goal by providing insights and recommendations for improving postnatal care for mothers racialized as NHB/AA, ultimately leading to a more equitable healthcare system for all.

Additional Files
20240628_Adesanya_Mowasetoluwa_poster.pptx (922 kB)

Language

English

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