EngagINg the COmmunity to Reduce Preterm birth via Adherence To an Individualized Prematurity Prevention Plan...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Community Health Interventions

Background:

• Non-Hispanic Black birthing individuals face disproportionately higher risks of preterm birth.
• Existing preterm birth prevention strategies require enhancement with patient-centered, community-engaged approaches.
• Addressing patient-perceived barriers is crucial for effective preterm birth prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot a multi-level intervention to improve adherence to individualized prematurity prevention plans (IP3).
• To address identified barriers to preterm birth prevention through a community-involved model.
• To pilot test a novel intervention in high-risk non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals.

Main Methods:

• Stakeholder engagement to co-develop a patient-centered, community-involved intervention.
• Integration of trained doulas from a Black-owned doula group to facilitate social support sessions.
• Utilizing a private Facebook™ group for ongoing participant and doula interaction.
• Pilot testing the intervention in a cohort of pregnant, non-Hispanic Black patients with a history of preterm birth.

Main Results:

• The intervention incorporates community-led doula support and digital social networking.
• Pilot testing will assess the feasibility of the intervention in a high-risk population.
• Findings will inform a larger study to determine the intervention's efficacy in reducing preterm birth.

Conclusions:

• A novel, patient-centered, community-engaged intervention is proposed to reduce preterm birth.
• The pilot study is essential to determine the intervention's feasibility.
• Successful pilot results will lead to a powered study evaluating preterm birth reduction efficacy.