Reaching Across the Divide: Integrating Equitable Community-Based Qualitative Methods and Trusted Engagement...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Maternal mortality is a significant public health concern in the U.S.
• African American and Indigenous populations face disproportionately high rates.
• Arizona's maternal mortality rate in 2023 was 30.0 deaths per 100,000 births, exceeding the national average.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address maternal and child health (MCH) inequities in Arizona.
• To conduct the 2025 Arizona Statewide Title V Maternal and Child Health Needs Assessment.
• To utilize community-engaged research (CeNR) approaches to inform MCH strategies.

Main Methods:

• Employed qualitative methods, including the River of Life (ROL) and Community Forums (CF).
• Focused on elevating voices from underserved rural, border, and minoritized populations.
• Utilized community-engaged research (CeNR) to gather insights.

Main Results:

• Identified key priorities: improved mental health care access, childcare solutions, expanded transportation, and culturally appropriate services.
• The ROL approach identified 8 social drivers of health.
• Community Forums yielded actionable, lived-experience-based solutions.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the need for upstream policy changes and community-driven strategies.
• Community engagement is crucial for reducing maternal health disparities.
• Participatory approaches empower marginalized communities to shape impactful health policies and programs.