Do pregnant women in Kentucky think "Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait"?

Background: Despite decades of research and programs to reduce preterm birth (<37 weeks), rates continue to rise, having reached an all time high in 2004 of 12.5% in the US and 14.4% in Kentucky. As this trend is driven by increases in late preterm birth (34-36 weeks), understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) of pregnant women is key to implementing effective prematurity prevention programs (such as Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait initiative in Kentucky).

Study Question: Determine the KAB regarding pregnancy and childbirth of pregnant women in six Kentucky communities.

Methods: During Jan-Feb 2007, baseline surveys (39-question core questionnaire and 14-question supplemental questionnaire) were collected in prenatal care sites servicing the six communities. Variables included KAB about: preterm birth, modifiable risks factors, consequences for newborn/mother, elective inductions and c-sections, resources for services, channels for health information, communication/care by provider, and social support.

Results: Findings from the 500+ surveys will be presented, stratified by maternal age, weeks of gestation, race, parity, and history of previous preterm birth. Significant differences among communities will be discussed. Where possible, results will be contrasted with findings from state and national surveys.

Conclusions: The survey results profile the current culture of childbearing in these communities with high and rapidly rising rates of late preterm birth and provide insights into appropriate strategies for programs, policies, and clinical practice.

Public Health Implications: Community-focused analysis of pregnancy and childbearing KAB can help identify priorities for interventions that may reduce the overall preterm birth rate in target communities.