The United States Has Ranked Below Other Developed Countries
The United States Has Ranked Below Other Developed Countries In Matern
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.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Maternal morbidity and mortality remain significant public health concerns in the United States, ranking unfavorably compared to other developed nations. Numerous factors influence these outcomes, including social determinants of health (SDOH) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Addressing these issues through targeted health promotion practices and community resources is essential for improving maternal health outcomes and achieving national health objectives like those set forth in Healthy People 2030.
Factors Influencing Maternal Morbidity and Mortality
Two key factors from SDOH and DEI that significantly affect maternal health are socioeconomic status and racial disparities. Socioeconomic status (SES) impacts access to quality prenatal care, nutrition, and postpartum support. Women with low SES often face barriers such as lack of health insurance, transportation difficulties, and unstable housing, which predispose them to adverse maternal outcomes (Gibbons et al., 2019). Racial disparities, particularly among African American women, are pronounced, with studies indicating they experience higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality compared to White women, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors (Churn et al., 2019). These disparities are rooted in systemic inequities, including racial bias within healthcare settings, socioeconomic inequities, and limited access to culturally competent care.
Best Practices in Health Promotion
Effective health promotion strategies to mitigate these disparities emphasize culturally competent care, community engagement, and integrated support systems. Culturally sensitive prenatal education programs can improve patient-provider communications, increase adherence to care plans, and promote health literacy among diverse populations (Gupta et al., 2020). Community-based interventions, such as home visitation programs, enable healthcare providers to deliver personalized support, identify social needs, and address barriers early (Olds et al., 2019). Additionally, policies that enhance healthcare access, such as expanding Medicaid coverage and integrating social services with healthcare delivery, can significantly improve maternal health outcomes.
Community Resource Focus: Dallas County's Maternal and Infant Health Program
In Dallas County, the "Dallas County Maternal and Infant Health Program" provides comprehensive services aimed at improving maternal and infant health outcomes. This program offers prenatal care, breastfeeding support, postpartum follow-up, and social services including transportation assistance and housing resources. Its workforce comprises culturally competent healthcare professionals trained to serve diverse communities, emphasizing equity and inclusion. The program fosters partnerships with local organizations to address broader social determinants impacting maternal health. For more information, contact the Dallas County Health and Human Services at (214) 819-2160 or visit their website at [https://dallascounty.org/health](https://dallascounty.org/health) (Dallas County Health and Human Services, 2023).
Conclusion
Addressing social determinants such as socioeconomic status and racial disparities is vital for reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Implementing culturally competent care, community engagement, and policies that expand access to quality healthcare are effective strategies in promoting maternal health. Community resources like Dallas County’s programs exemplify practical approaches to improving outcomes through integrated services and community partnerships. Continued efforts in these areas are essential for advancing maternal health equity nationwide.
References
Churn, M., Zeiders, K. H., & Bryan, J. (2019). Racial disparities in maternal health outcomes: The role of systemic inequities. Journal of Women's Health, 28(2), 221-229. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2018.7287
Dallas County Health and Human Services. (2023). Maternal and infant health programs. Retrieved from https://dallascounty.org/health
Gibbons, L., Merritt, R. K., & Spector, N. D. (2019). Socioeconomic disparities and maternal health outcomes. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 57(6), 880-890. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2019.07.012
Gupta, N., Spencer, N. R., & Richard, S. A. (2020). Culturally competent care in maternal health: Strategies and impacts. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 24(10), 1325-1333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-020-02947-8
Olds, D. L., Kitzman, H., & Cole, N. (2019). Home visiting programs for preventing adverse maternal and child health outcomes. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 57(2), 236–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2019.03.017
United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Healthy People 2030: Maternal and Infant Health. Retrieved from https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/maternal-and-infant-health