Exploring the perspectives of healthcare professionals on the most significant health disparities observed in perinatal settings: A qualitative study
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: • Investigated health disparities observed by healthcare professionals in three Midwest states, focusing on perinatal care. • Two main questions addressed: significant health disparities in practice and vulnerable populations affected. • Five main themes emerged: 1. Support Targeted to Specific Populations 2. Barriers to Accessing Perinatal Care 3. Intersecting Health Risks 4. Racial Disparities 5. Navigating Isolation Findings 1. Support Targeted to Specific Populations ○ Care varies based on location (urban vs. rural settings). ○ Sub-themes: ■ Culturally tailored programs. ■ Support for low-income mothers. ■ Resources in underserved/rural areas. 2. Barriers to Accessing Perinatal Care ○ Logistical challenges: transportation, financial constraints, and language barriers. ○ Teen pregnancies face unique obstacles like denial, fear, and lack of transportation. 3. Intersecting Health Risks ○ Comorbidities, complications, and substance abuse impact perinatal outcomes. ○ Social determinants (e.g., poverty, food insecurity) disproportionately affect marginalized communities. 4. Racial Disparities ○ Systemic racism, distrust in medical care, and high maternal mortality rates for African Americans. ○ Implicit bias and historical injustices exacerbate adverse outcomes. 5. Navigating Isolation ○ Patients underutilize available resources due to lack of awareness, cultural barriers, or stigma. ○ Limited emotional and social support is a significant challenge. Discussion • Health disparities persist due to systemic and individual factors. • Rural areas face resource limitations, requiring tailored interventions. • Racial and ethnic disparities reflect systemic inequities. • Language barriers and logistical issues hinder care access for marginalized groups. Recommendations • Training : Anti-racism, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care for providers. • Interventions : Programs like MOMI PODS to address transportation and time barriers. • Community Support : Expand culturally appropriate and accessible resources (e.g., peer support, translation services). • Research : Examine community support systems and assess tailored strategies for vulnerable populations. • Policy : Improve inclusivity and diversity in healthcare teams. Perinatal mood disorders impact an estimated 15-21% of pregnant and postpartum women and are the leading cause of maternal mortality. Research indicates that social and economic factors, racism, and persistent stress contribute to maternal and infant health outcomes. Healthcare professionals can play a key role in assisting perinatal mothers with their mental health and addressing systemic disparities that may impact access to care. Understanding healthcare professionals’ perceptions is the first step in tailoring existing evidence-based interventions, implementing training in perinatal settings, and providing patient-centered care during this period. We used a purposive sampling technique to recruit 19 providers comprising of OBGYN providers, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives who work in the United States; specifically, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended interview questions were conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and main themes emerged from the transcripts. Five major themes were identified regarding the most significant health disparities observed in OBGYN practice in the Midwest area: (1) location-based disparities in access and support for perinatal care; (2) barriers to accessing perinatal care; (3) intersecting health risks; (4) racial disparities; (5) navigating isolation. Study findings provide a comprehensive view of the health disparities perceived by these healthcare professionals during the perinatal period. These findings offer insight into the systemic inequities that affect maternal and infant outcomes. Overall, results may offer evidence for improving cultural competency in the medical setting and providing a greater understanding of the complex interplay of factors that influence outcomes for mothers and infants.
Source: Midwifery
Institutions: Miami University, University of Cincinnati
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,630
OpenAlex ID: W4408318923