Improving Birth Outcomes for Young African American Women Through Pre- and Inter-Concpetion Care: Providers' Perspectives

Like many states, public health providers in Ohio are challenged by persistent adverse, disparate birth outcomes for young African American women and babies. Statewide Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) analyses indicate that the biggest opportunity to improve these outcomes is in the area of maternal health/premature births. Currently, little is known about providers' perspectives on incorporating pre-conception and inter-conception care into health care for young African American women. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of physician and non-physician providers regarding pre-conception and inter-conception care to reduce adverse birth outcomes in young African American women and babies. Data are collected in urban settings in three regions of Ohio through focus groups (FGs) with non-physician providers and structured individual in-person interviews with physicians. Parallel questions are used. Non-physician providers represent various disciplines/programs such as advanced practice nursing, social work, health administrators, outreach programs, health clinics, early intervention programs, and WIC. Physicians are primary care practitioners in Internal Medicine, Family Practice, or Obstetrics/Gynecology. Preliminary results suggest that neither physician nor non-physician providers are familiar with pre-conception and inter-conception care, but both groups believe this care might improve birth outcomes for young African American women. The groups identify different barriers and strategies (directed at clients, providers, and programs) for incorporating the life-course perspective into health care encounters with young African American women. Findings will be used to inform policy decisions regarding statewide policies and programs to address persistent adverse birth outcomes for young African American women.