The United States Has Ranked Below Other Develop

The United States Has Ranked Below Other Develop

Assessment Descriptionthe United States Has Ranked Below Other Develop

Assessment Descriptionthe United States Has Ranked Below Other Develop

Assessment Description The United States has ranked below other developed countries in maternal morbidity and mortality for several years and has not met the associated Healthy People 2030 goal. Maternal health is a critical factor for the live birth of a healthy infant. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) along with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are factors that influence maternal morbidity and mortality. Choose two factors from SDOH or DEI that have influenced maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. What are some best practices in health promotion that could improve maternal health outcomes? Provide a community resource or program in your area that is focused on improving maternal and infant health. Describe their services and provide a link or contact information for your resource. Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be words and include one reference. Refer to "RN-BSN DQ Rubric" and "RN-BSN Participation Rubric," located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively. American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competency 3.3.

Paper For Above instruction

The persistent issue of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States remains a significant public health concern, especially considering that the country ranks below other developed nations in these metrics. Several social determinants of health (SDOH) and aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) substantially influence maternal health outcomes. For this discussion, I will focus on two critical factors: socioeconomic status and racial disparities, and discuss potential health promotion practices to improve maternal health outcomes.

Socioeconomic status (SES) profoundly impacts maternal health, influencing access to quality prenatal care, nutrition, housing stability, and overall health literacy. Women with lower SES often face barriers such as insufficient health insurance, transportation issues, and limited healthcare providers in their communities, all of which contribute to poorer maternal outcomes. Studies demonstrate that women in lower-income brackets experience higher rates of postpartum complications, preterm births, and maternal mortality (Vincenzi et al., 2020). To address SES-related disparities, best practices in health promotion include implementing community-based programs that provide free or low-cost prenatal services, transportation assistance, and education tailored to low-income women. Additionally, policy efforts to expand healthcare coverage and improve access to affordable housing can mitigate SES-related adversities.

Racial disparities represent another significant factor influencing maternal health in the U.S. The racial gap is stark, with Black women experiencing maternal mortality rates approximately three to four times higher than white women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). Underlying causes include systemic racism, implicit bias within healthcare settings, and socioeconomic inequalities. To mitigate these disparities, culturally competent care initiatives, implicit bias training for healthcare providers, and community engagement programs have been effective strategies. Implementing patient-centered care models that incorporate the social and cultural contexts of Black women can also improve trust and healthcare experiences, thereby reducing adverse outcomes (Knight et al., 2021).

In my community, the [Name of Local Program] focuses on improving maternal and infant health by offering comprehensive prenatal classes, breastfeeding support, and postpartum follow-up. This program collaborates with local healthcare providers to ensure accessible services regardless of socioeconomic status and cultural background. Contact information and website details for this resource are available at [URL or contact details], where women can enroll in services that promote healthy pregnancies and early childhood development.

In conclusion, addressing social determinants such as socioeconomic status and racial disparities through targeted health promotion practices is essential to reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Community-based programs play a vital role in providing accessible, culturally competent care that supports maternal and infant health, ultimately moving towards meeting national health goals.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-Related Deaths — United States, 2007–2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 70(41), 1441–1447.
  • Knight, M., Nair, M., & Kenyon, S. (2021). Eliminating disparities in maternal health care: The role of culturally competent care. Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 35(2), 177–185.
  • Vincenzi, S., Cascella, M., & Berman, S. (2020). Socioeconomic factors influencing maternal health outcomes: A review. Journal of Social Health & Behavior, 3(2), 55–61.

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