Communicating with African-American Women Who Have Had a Preterm Birth About Risks for Future Preterm Births

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Perinatal Epidemiology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• African-American women face disproportionately higher rates of preterm birth (PTB) in the USA.
• Understanding PTB risks is crucial for improving maternal and infant outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess African-American women's understanding of preterm birth risks in future pregnancies.
• To explore information-seeking behaviors related to PTB.
• To identify effective strategies for increasing PTB awareness.

Main Methods:

• Six focus groups were conducted with 60 women who had experienced at least one PTB within the last five years.
• Participants represented diverse geographic, economic, and educational backgrounds in the USA.
• Data were collected in 2016.

Main Results:

• A tendency to normalize preterm birth was observed.
• Knowledge gaps existed regarding infant complications and the importance of gestational age over birth weight.
• Participants were often unaware of key risk factors like prior PTB and race/ethnicity.
• While obstetrical providers were the most trusted source, women also used apps, websites, and chat rooms for information.
• The postpartum visit was identified as the optimal time for PTB risk counseling.

Conclusions:

• Awareness of recurrent preterm birth risks is limited among diverse African-American women.
• Educational programs focusing on neonatal development and the implications of gestational age are recommended.
• Effective PTB education requires a nonjudgmental, positive, and solutions-oriented approach emphasizing risk factors.