California's Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program and birth outcomes.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• California's Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) offers enhanced prenatal care.
• Previous studies on CPSP's impact on birth outcomes had limitations and mixed results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between Medi-Cal with CPSP enrollment and birth outcomes.
• To compare odds of preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, and low birthweight between CPSP enrollees and other groups.

Main Methods:

• Utilized statewide California data from 2012-2016 for singleton live births.
• Employed multilevel logistic models to analyze outcomes (preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, low birthweight).
• Compared Medi-Cal with CPSP enrollees to privately insured individuals and Medi-Cal beneficiaries without CPSP.

Main Results:

• Medi-Cal with CPSP enrollment was linked to lower odds of preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, and low birthweight compared to private insurance.
• Within the Medi-Cal population, CPSP enrollment showed reduced odds of preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, and low birthweight compared to non-CPSP Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Conclusions:

• Statewide data demonstrate a strong association between CPSP enrollment and improved birth outcomes.
• Expanding access to comprehensive perinatal services is a potential strategy for enhancing birth outcomes.