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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.
Results
1 to 4 of 4 Research Studies DisplayedBlebu BE, Kuppermann M, Coleman-Phox K
A qualitative exploration of experiences accessing community and social services among pregnant low-income people of color during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to heightened social and economic stressors for expectant individuals. Although community and social services exist to alleviate stressors during pregnancy (e.g., food insecurity and financial difficulties) and decrease the likelihood of negative maternal outcomes, it remains uncertain how the pandemic influenced access to these resources, especially among low-income communities of color. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of low-income pregnant individuals of color in accessing community and social service resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study on COVID-related factors recruited participants from two sources—a prospective comparative effectiveness study comparing two enhanced prenatal care models and the California Black Infant Health Program between August and November 2020. The researchers conducted 62 interviews with Medicaid-eligible participants in California's Central Valley, asking them to describe their pregnancy-related experiences and the perceived impact of the pandemic on these experiences. The study identified two overarching themes: obstacles in accessing community and social service resources during the pandemic and potential avenues for enhancing access to these resources. Sub-themes regarding challenges encountered encompassed issues with remote access, complex registration procedures for community and social services, and concerns specific to COVID-19 resources (e.g., testing). Sub-themes associated with opportunities for improved access included capitalizing on instrumental support from perinatal staff and informational (e.g., practical) support from other community programs and pregnant peers. Participants suggested improved client experiences could be achieved through increased transparency and enhanced patient-provider communication.
AHRQ-funded; HS026407
Citation: Blebu BE, Kuppermann M, Coleman-Phox K .
A qualitative exploration of experiences accessing community and social services among pregnant low-income people of color during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Womens Health 2023 Jan-Dec;19:17455057231156792. doi: 10.1177/17455057231156792.
Keywords: COVID-19, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Low-Income, Women, Pregnancy, Public Health
Leifheit KM, Schwartz GL, Pollack CE
Severe housing insecurity during pregnancy: association with adverse birth and infant outcomes.
This study measured the association of severe housing insecurity with adverse birth and infant outcomes. Data was analyzed from 3248 mother-infant dyads enrolled in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. This prospective cohort study represented births in 20 large U.S. cities from 1998 to 2000. Severe housing insecurity was defined as threatened eviction or homelessness. Adverse outcomes included low birth weight and/or preterm birth, admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or stepdown facility, extended hospitalization after delivery, and infant health and temperament. There were statistically significant associations found between severe housing insecurity during pregnancy and low birth weight and/or preterm births. Housing insecurity and infant fair or poor health and poor temperament were not found to have statistically significant associations. Population attributable fraction (PAF) estimates suggested that up to 3% of adverse birth and infant outcomes could be avoided by eliminating severe housing insecurity among low-income, pregnant women.
AHRQ-funded; HS000046.
Citation: Leifheit KM, Schwartz GL, Pollack CE .
Severe housing insecurity during pregnancy: association with adverse birth and infant outcomes.
Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020 Nov 21;17(22):8659. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17228659..
Keywords: Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery, Vulnerable Populations, Outcomes, Adverse Events, Women, Low-Income, Newborns/Infants
Klawetter S, McNitt C, Hoffman JA
Perinatal depression in low-income women: a literature review and innovative screening approach.
This paper is a literature review of perinatal depression prevalence, consequences, and screening among low-income women and women of color. The Warm Connections program has an innovative perinatal depression screening protocol and was used with WIC participants. The literature showed mixed findings of perinatal prevalence among low-income women and women of color. There were lower perinatal depression rates in the Warm Connections program in studies using less specific perinatal depression screening instruments with similar samples.
AHRQ-funded; HS026370.
Citation: Klawetter S, McNitt C, Hoffman JA .
Perinatal depression in low-income women: a literature review and innovative screening approach.
Curr Psychiatry Rep 2020 Jan 7;22(1):1. doi: 10.1007/s11920-019-1126-9.
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Keywords: Depression, Pregnancy, Women, Low-Income, Social Determinants of Health, Screening, Behavioral Health, Maternal Care, Disparities, Diagnostic Safety and Quality
Herrick CJ, Keller MR, Trolard AM
Postpartum diabetes screening among low income women with gestational diabetes in Missouri 2010-2015.
This study looked at postpartum screening for type 2 diabetes among low-income women who were previously diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes increases risk for developing type 2 diabetes 7-fold so it is recommended that screening is done within months after delivery. Results in a Missouri population found that almost 20% were screened within the first year of delivery.
AHRQ-funded; HS019455.
Citation: Herrick CJ, Keller MR, Trolard AM .
Postpartum diabetes screening among low income women with gestational diabetes in Missouri 2010-2015.
BMC Public Health 2019 Feb 4;19(1):148. doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-6475-0..
Keywords: Diabetes, Low-Income, Pregnancy, Screening, Women