Interventions Addressing Social Needs in Perinatal Care: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal Health
• Health Systems Research

Background:

• Nonmedical factors, known as social determinants of health (SDoH), significantly impact overall health.
• Health systems are increasingly recognizing their role in addressing patients' social needs.
• Perinatal care presents a critical opportunity to intervene on SDoH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically identify and analyze clinic-based interventions addressing social needs in perinatal care.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of different intervention types for pregnant and postpartum women.
• To highlight gaps in current research on SDoH interventions in maternal health.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across six databases up to May 2020.
• Studies included interventions addressing at least one SDoH domain for pregnant or postpartum women in clinical settings.
• Included randomized-controlled trials and observational studies.

Main Results:

• Twenty-six unique studies were identified, with most focusing on intimate partner violence (IPV).
• Interventions varied from screening to counseling and case management.
• IPV interventions with counseling or ongoing support reduced recurrence/severity; screening alone did not.

Conclusions:

• Clinic-based interventions can address social needs in perinatal care.
• Interventions involving counseling or ongoing support show potential for improving outcomes.
• Further rigorous research is crucial, especially for SDoH domains beyond IPV.