Healthy start lessons learned on interconception care.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Disparities

Background:

• The Federal Healthy Start program was initiated in 1991 to combat high infant mortality rates in the U.S.
• It targets populations experiencing disproportionately high adverse perinatal health outcomes.
• Key goals include reducing health service disparities, enhancing local healthcare systems, and increasing community involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation and impact of the interconception care component within the Healthy Start program.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in improving health outcomes for high-risk women.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from Healthy Start grantees, focusing on the interconception care component.
• Examination of client enrollment, service delivery methods (care coordination, case management), and health outcomes.

Main Results:

• Since 2005, all Healthy Start grantees have been mandated to include interconception care.
• Most clients were enrolled during the prenatal period, with care coordination and case management being primary strategies.
• In 2007, 93% of interconception projects reported that 90% of women had an ongoing source of primary care.
• Screening for health conditions and providing information on chronic disease risks (obesity, hypertension, diabetes) were common practices.

Conclusions:

• The Healthy Start interconception care program demonstrates significant potential in serving high-risk populations.
• It highlights the critical need for robust interconception care for women facing poverty, residing in underserved areas, or lacking health coverage.
• The program contributes to reducing disparities and improving overall perinatal and interconception health outcomes.