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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 4 of 4 Research Studies DisplayedSalinas KE, Bazan M, Rivera L
Experiences and communication preferences in pregnancy care among patients with a Spanish language preference: a qualitative study.
The purpose of this study was to explore Spanish-speaking patients' experiences and preferences regarding communication during pregnancy care with specific attention to language barriers. The researchers conducted focus groups with patients with a Spanish language preference who gave birth between July 2022 and February 2023 at an academic medical center. A total of seven focus groups with 27 total participants were held. The study identified three key themes regarding preferences in patient experiences and communication when seeking pregnancy care: 1. language discordance and concordance between patients and clinicians exist on a spectrum and are not binary; 2. language-discordant care presents communication challenges, even when interpreters are present; and 3. language discordance can be effectively addressed with positive interpersonal engagements between clinicians and patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS026370.
Citation: Salinas KE, Bazan M, Rivera L .
Experiences and communication preferences in pregnancy care among patients with a Spanish language preference: a qualitative study.
Obstet Gynecol 2023 Nov 1; 142(5):1227-36. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005369..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Women, Communication, Cultural Competence, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Akintunde T, Howard J, Wilson D
Racial and ethnic disparities in long-term contraception use among the birthing population at an academic hospital in the Southeastern United States.
This paper discusses racial and ethnic disparities in long-term contraception among the birthing population at an academic hospital in the Southeastern US. The authors used data from 5011 patients who delivered at a large academic hospital to determine the effect of race/ethnicity and social vulnerability index (SVI) on the odds of undergoing a long-term contraceptive procedure. SVI substantially affects the odds of long-term contraception for non-Hispanic White women and birthing people. In contrast, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women and birthing people have significantly higher odds of undergoing a long-term contraceptive procedure. These disparities may be attributed to factors including healthcare providers, organizational and external policies.
AHRQ-funded; HS027680.
Citation: Akintunde T, Howard J, Wilson D .
Racial and ethnic disparities in long-term contraception use among the birthing population at an academic hospital in the Southeastern United States.
Proc Hum Factors Ergon Soc Annu Meet 2023 Sep; 67(1):609-13. doi: 10.1177/21695067231192873..
Keywords: Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Disparities, Maternal Care, Women
Blebu BE, Liu PY, Harrington M
Implementation of cross-sector partnerships: a description of implementation factors related to addressing social determinants to reduce racial disparities in adverse birth outcomes.
The purpose of this mixed methods design study was to integrate the perspectives of healthcare staff and community-based partner organizations to describe the implementation of a cross-sector partnership developed for the purpose of addressing social and structural determinants in pregnancy. The researchers utilized in-depth interviews and social network analysis to incorporate the perspectives of healthcare clinicians and staff with the views of community-based partner organizations to identify implementation factors related to cross-sector partnerships. The study identified 7 implementation variables related to 3 themes: strengths of a network approach to cross-sector collaboration, relationship-centered care, and barriers and facilitators of cross-sector partnerships. The study results highlighted establishing relationships between healthcare staff, patients, and community-based partner organizations.
AHRQ-funded; HS026407.
Citation: Blebu BE, Liu PY, Harrington M .
Implementation of cross-sector partnerships: a description of implementation factors related to addressing social determinants to reduce racial disparities in adverse birth outcomes.
Front Public Health 2023 Jun 16; 11:1106740. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1106740..
Keywords: Social Determinants of Health, Disparities, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Maternal Care, Women, Implementation
Lucchini M, Rayport Y, Valeri L
Racial/ethnic disparities in sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy in the nuMoM2b study.
This study’s aim was to assess the prevalence and severity of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) across racial/ethnic groups in 3702 pregnant people at 6 to 15 and 22 to 31 weeks gestational age; examine whether BMI modifies the association between race/ethnicity and SDB; and investigate whether interventions to reduce weight might reduce racial/ethnic disparities in SDB. The study cohort consisted of comprised 61.2% non-Hispanic White (nHW), 11.9% non-Hispanic Black (nHB), 18.5% Hispanic, and 3.7% Asian persons. SDB prevalence was higher for nHB compared with nHW pregnant people at 6 to 15 weeks, whereas at 21 to 32 weeks, Asian pregnant people had a higher SDB prevalence than nHW. The severity of SDB differed across racial/ethnic groups in early pregnancy, with nHB pregnant people having a higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) compared with nHW. Having overweight/obesity was associated with a higher AHI.
AHRQ-funded; HS024274.
Citation: Lucchini M, Rayport Y, Valeri L .
Racial/ethnic disparities in sleep-disordered breathing during pregnancy in the nuMoM2b study.
Obesity 2023 Apr;31(4):923-33. doi: 10.1002/oby.23697.
Keywords: Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Sleep Problems, Women, Maternal Care