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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 3 of 3 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
Bartsch SM, Asti L, Stokes-Cawley OJ
The potential economic value of a Zika vaccine for a woman of childbearing age.
The authors mapped the Zika vaccine and vaccination characteristic thresholds at which vaccination becomes cost effective, highly cost effective, and cost saving. They developed a Markov model to simulate a woman of childbearing age to follow the potential risk and clinical course of a Zika infection. They found that, in some cases, the vaccine was cost effective when the risk was as low as 0.015%, the cost was as high as $7,500, the efficacy was as low as 25%, and the duration of protection was 1 year. They concluded that the thresholds at which vaccination becomes cost effective and cost saving can provide targets for Zika vaccine development and implementation.
AHRQ-funded; HS023317.
Citation: Bartsch SM, Asti L, Stokes-Cawley OJ .
The potential economic value of a Zika vaccine for a woman of childbearing age.
Am J Prev Med 2020 Mar;58(3):370-77. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.10.023..
Keywords: Vaccination, Women, Infectious Diseases, Public Health, Healthcare Costs, Prevention
Huesch MD, Galstyan A, Ong MK
Using social media, online social networks, and internet search as platforms for public health interventions: a pilot study.
The researchers analyzed public health interventions aimed at women potentially interested in maternity care via campaigns on social media (Twitter), social networks (Facebook), and online search engines (Google Search). They found that the campaigns reached a little more than 140,000 consumers each day across the three platforms, with a little more than 400 engagements each day. Facebook and Google search had broader reach, better engagement rates, and lower costs than Twitter.
AHRQ-funded; HS021868.
Citation: Huesch MD, Galstyan A, Ong MK .
Using social media, online social networks, and internet search as platforms for public health interventions: a pilot study.
Health Serv Res 2016 Jun;51 Suppl 2:1273-90. doi: 10.1111/1475-6773.12496.
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Keywords: Social Media, Web-Based, Public Health, Maternal Care, Women