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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Epidemiology of racial/ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality
Sarah J Holdt Somer1, Rachel G Sinkey1, Allison S Bryant2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL.
The literature abounds with examples of racial/ethnic disparities in both obstetric outcomes and care. Disparities in maternal mortality are well documented with non-Hispanic blacks carrying the burden of the highest maternal mortality rates. Maternal deaths likely represent only the "tip of the iceberg" with respect to pregnancy complications, leading many to explore risk factors and disparities in severe maternal morbidity, a more common precursor to maternal mortality. This review article explores commonly cited indicators of severe maternal morbidity and includes a review of the epidemiological literature supporting or refuting disparities among each indicator.
The literature abounds with examples of racial/ethnic disparities in both obstetric outcomes and care. Disparities in maternal mortality are well documented with non-Hispanic blacks carrying the burden of the highest maternal mortality rates. Maternal deaths likely represent only the "tip of the iceberg" with respect to pregnancy complications, leading many to explore risk factors and disparities in severe maternal morbidity, a more common precursor to maternal mortality. This review article explores commonly cited indicators of severe maternal morbidity and includes a review of the epidemiological literature supporting or refuting disparities among each indicator.
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