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Addressing Racial/Ethnic Inequities in Maternal Health Through Community-Based Social Support Services: A Mixed Methods Study
- Source :
- Maternal and Child Health Journal. April, 2022, Vol. 26 Issue 4, p708, 11 p.
- Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Introduction In the US, there are striking inequities in maternal health outcomes between racial and ethnic groups. Community-based organizations (CBOs) provide social support services that are critical in addressing the needs of clients of color during and after pregnancy. Methods We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional mixed methods study of CBOs in Greater Boston that provide social support services to pregnant and postpartum clients. In May-August 2020, we administered an online survey about organizational characteristics, client population, and services offered. In July-August 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews focused on services provided, gaps in services, and the impact of structural racism on clients. We used descriptive statistics to characterize CBOs and services and used thematic analysis to extract themes from the qualitative data. Results A total of 21 unique CBOs participated with 17 CBOs completing the survey and 14 participating in interviews. CBOs served between 10 and 35,000 pregnant and postpartum clients per year (median = 200), and about half (n = 8) focused their programming on pregnant and postpartum clients. The most significant gaps in social support services were housing and childcare. Respondents identified racism and lack of coordination among organizations as the two primary barriers to accessing social support. Discussion CBOs face multiple challenges to providing social support to pregnant and postpartum clients of color, and significant gaps exist in the types of services currently provided. Improved coordination among CBOs and advocacy efforts to develop community-informed solutions are needed to reduce barriers to social support.<br />Author(s): Rebecca West [sup.1] [sup.2] , Amanda DiMeo [sup.2] , Ana Langer [sup.3] , Neel Shah [sup.2] [sup.4] , Rose L. Molina [sup.2] [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.189504.1, 0000 0004 [...]
- Subjects :
- Minorities -- Health aspects -- Social aspects
Health care disparities -- Demographic aspects -- Social aspects
Community health services -- Planning -- Demographic aspects
Social networks -- Demographic aspects -- Planning
Women's health services -- Planning -- Demographic aspects
Company business planning
Health care industry
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 10927875
- Volume :
- 26
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Gale General OneFile
- Journal :
- Maternal and Child Health Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsgcl.700630671
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-021-03363-5