Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109306

Brandi Holys Tumbleson, BA, University of Nebraska at Omaha, School of HPER, M.A. Program in Health Education, March of Dimes - Director of Program Services, Nebraska Chapter, 5409 North 133rd Plaza, #204, Omaha, NE 68164, 402-496-3034, bholys@marchofdimes.com

The current paradigm of women's health primarily revolves around categorical programs serving women in age groups 40-64 and programs for women of childbearing age (15 to 44) only if pregnant. In the U.S. women are covered by a fragmented pieces of different public programs, that may not fill health coverage gaps for women and their future children, leaving over 40% of women age 18-44 years without health insurance coverage. Because women experience a significantly higher burden of chronic disease than men, it is not sufficient to only provide health coverage and programs for women based on whether they are bearing a child. Due to a variety of socioeconomic factors, women may not be eligible for federal categorical programs, yet may not be able to, or choose not to purchase employer-sponsored or private health insurance. The coverage gap for women of childbearing age is particularly concerning. Of approximately four million births in the U.S., approximately 1.2 million pregnancies were not planned. Because of the high rate of unplanned pregnancy, we cannot predict which women will become pregnant, making it difficult to encourage good health before pregnancy. Even if women of childbearing age are not considering pregnancy, to reduce the burden of chronic disease, preventive health services and coverage for those services must be readily available.

A meta-analysis of current literature will demonstrate models of a comprehensive, holistic, lifespan model of women's health. Examples of best practice strategies and methods for improving current delivery of programs and policy advocacy will be introduced.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify components and eligible participants for current federal categorical programs.
• Participants will increase their understanding of the biopsychosocial model of women’s health.
• Participants will learn about best practices in women’s health programming and ideas will be presented on how to integrate both successful programs and models into a lifespan model of women’s health.
• Participants will be able to report and define past policy changes affecting the delivery of women’s health and illustrate the need for future policy changes, providing examples of changes affecting women’s health over the lifespan.

Keywords: Women's Health, Women's Quality Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.