Open AccessPreterm Birth Prevention in Appalachia: Restructuring Prenatal Care to Address Rural Health Disparities and Establish Perinatal Health Equity
Author(s) -
Anna Hansen,
Mairéad Moloney,
Jing Li,
Niraj R. Chavan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
health equity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.826
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2473-1242
DOI - 10.1089/heq.2020.0064
Subject(s) - appalachia , restructuring , health equity , prenatal care , equity (law) , health care , medicine , qualitative research , cultural humility , social determinants of health , population , nursing , public health , economic growth , psychology , business , environmental health , political science , cultural competence , sociology , economics , finance , biology , paleontology , social science , pedagogy , law
Purpose: This perspective piece reflects off previously published qualitative work to explore (1) themes surrounding equitable prenatal care in Appalachia and (2) strategies to restructure care delivery in a population with disparate rates of preterm birth (PTB). Methods: This study reflects in-depth interviews with 22 Appalachian women who experienced PTB and 14 obstetric providers. Results: Our findings underscore the need for greater cultural humility in prenatal care, heightened awareness of social determinants of health, and strategic planning to establish equity in birth outcomes. Conclusion: Prenatal care must undergo a paradigm shift to include a comprehensive discussion of cultural humility, social disparities, and health equity.