Engaging African American women in group prenatal care

Background: Despite progress each year from 2006-2009, 12.2% of U.S. births were preterm (<37 weeks gestation) in 2009. Preterm birth is the leading cause of newborn death and also can lead to lifelong disabilities. The preterm birth rate for African American women was 17.5%, 60% higher than the rate for white women. CenteringPregnancy (CP) is an innovative, evidence-based model of group prenatal care that has been shown to reduce preterm birth, particularly among African American women. The model integrates health assessment, education, and support. Each pregnancy group meets for ten sessions throughout pregnancy and early postpartum, with the provider completing standard physical health assessments within the group space.

Methods/Approach: With funding from the Aetna Foundation, the March of Dimes and partners are conducting a series of focus groups with pregnant African American women in their third trimester who participate in CP and with the healthcare providers and staff who treat them at four locations nationwide. Patients discuss: their initial feelings about CP, aspects of CP they like most and least, the degree of social support CP provides, challenges in attending CP and how these are addressed. Staff members discuss successful strategies to recruit and retain CP participants, challenges, and areas for improvement. The data are analyzed qualitatively for key themes.

Discussion: Findings from both sets of focus groups facilitate identification of strategies to increase recruitment and retention of African American women in group prenatal care in order to improve birth outcomes and reduce racial disparities in preterm birth.