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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
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Tackling Persistent and Large Disparities in Birth Outcomes in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Dana Schultz1, Susan Lovejoy2, Evan Peet3
1RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA. dschultz@rand.org.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|January 4, 2022
Summary
Allegheny County
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Health Disparities Research
Background:
- Infant mortality rates in Allegheny County revealed significant racial disparities.
- A coalition of local stakeholders initiated a project to address these disparities.
- The project aimed to improve birth and infant outcomes and reduce racial inequalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop predictive models for infant mortality risk.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions.
- To create a system for tailored intervention referrals based on maternal risk profiles.
Main Methods:
- Integrated data from multiple sources (2003-2013) into a dedicated database.
- Linked individual data across health and human services departments.
- Calculated racial disparity ratios comparing Black and white infant outcomes.
Main Results:
- Infant mortality disparities were more pronounced (3.25) than low birthweight (1.88) or preterm birth (1.49).
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) showed the highest infant mortality disparity (1.78).
- Maternal factors like pre-pregnancy obesity and gestational diabetes were linked to higher infant mortality disparities.
Conclusions:
- The IMPreSIv database provides granular data on birth outcomes and associated factors.
- Intervention effectiveness was analyzed for various risk factors.
- The study aimed to develop a tool for individualized intervention referrals to address disparities.
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