The United States has ranked below other developed countries in maternal morbidity and mortality for several years and has not met the associated Healthy People 2030 goal. Maternal health is a critical factor for the live birth of a healthy infant. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) along with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are factors that influence maternal morbidity and mortality.
Choose two factors from SDOH or DEI that have influenced maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. What are some best practices in health promotion that could improve maternal health outcomes? Provide a community resource or program in your area that is focused on improving maternal and infant health. Describe their services and provide a link or contact information for your resource.
Factors Influencing Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the US
Two Key Factors:
Racial and Ethnic Disparities:
Implicit Bias: Implicit biases among healthcare providers can lead to disparities in the quality of care received by Black women.
Historical Trauma: The legacy of systemic racism and discrimination can have lasting impacts on the health and well-being of Black communities.
Lack of Trust:Historical mistreatment can lead to distrust in the healthcare system, making Black women less likely to seek timely care.
Factors Influencing Maternal Morbidity and Mortality in the US
Two Key Factors:
Racial and Ethnic Disparities:
Implicit Bias: Implicit biases among healthcare providers can lead to disparities in the quality of care received by Black women.
Historical Trauma: The legacy of systemic racism and discrimination can have lasting impacts on the health and well-being of Black communities.
Lack of Trust:Historical mistreatment can lead to distrust in the healthcare system, making Black women less likely to seek timely care.
Socioeconomic Disparities:
Poverty: Lower socioeconomic status is associated with limited access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and safe housing, all of which can impact maternal health.
Education: Lower levels of education can lead to poor health literacy, which can hinder women’s ability to make informed decisions about their health.
Access to Healthcare:Lack of health insurance or inadequate coverage can limit access to prenatal care and other essential services.
Best Practices to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes
Implicit Bias Training: Implementing mandatory implicit bias training for healthcare providers to improve cultural competency and reduce disparities in care.
Community-Based Programs: Supporting community-based programs that provide culturally competent prenatal care, nutrition education, and mental health services.
Expanded Access to Care: Expanding access to affordable, high-quality healthcare, including Medicaid coverage and affordable health insurance options.
Maternal Health Task Forces: Creating task forces to identify and address systemic barriers to maternal health.
Data-Driven Decision Making:Using data to track maternal health outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
Community Resource: [Your Local Health Department or Women’s Health Clinic]
[Local Health Department or Women’s Health Clinic Name]
Services:
Prenatal care
Postpartum care
Family planning
Well-woman exams
Breast and cervical cancer screenings
Sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment
Mental health counseling
Nutrition education
Health education and prevention programs
Contact Information:
[Provide the specific contact information for your local resource, such as phone number, website, and address.]
By addressing the underlying social determinants of health and implementing evidence-based interventions, we can work towards reducing maternal morbidity and mortality rates and improving the health and well-being of all women.
Note: Please replace “[Your Local Health Department or Women’s Health Clinic Name]” with the actual name of the organization in your area. You can find local resources by searching online or contacting your local health department.
