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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Maternal health and prenatal care

Effects of Rurality and Distance to Care on Perinatal Outcomes over a 1-Year Period During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Examines how rurality and/or distance to care impacts perinatal outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, preterm labor, neonatal intensive care, birth weight, and more. Analyzes outcomes from 2,497 patients during the COVID-19 pandemic period of May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021, with results broken down by distance to care and metropolitan, micropolitan, or rural location.
Author(s): Pratyusha V. Bujimalla, Kimberly A. Kenne, Haley A. Steffen, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Social and Structural Determinants of Maternal Morbidity and Mortality: An Evidence Map
Presents results of a systematic literature review of risk factors associated with maternal morbidity and mortality before, during, and after birth. Reports study findings on social and structural determinants of health including race, income, mental health, rurality, environment, violence, trauma, and more. Observes the state of current research and identifies limitations.
Additional links: Executive Summary, Full Report
Author(s): Jaime Slaughter-Acey, Kathryn Behrens, Amy M. Claussen, et al.
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
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Rural Health Care Coordination Program Directory, 2023-2027
Provides an overview of the 10 initiatives funded under the Rural Health Care Coordination Program during the 2023-2027 project period. Each profile includes information on the focus areas to be addressed, project partners, and targeted populations.
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Federal Office of Rural Health Policy
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The Effect of Pesticide Spray Season and Residential Proximity to Agriculture on Glyphosate Exposure among Pregnant People in Southern Idaho, 2021
Evaluated regular urine samples of 40 pregnant women in Idaho to determine the impact of pesticide exposure on pregnant people both near and far from agricultural fields. Analysis included before, during, and after "spray season" or the time of the year when pesticide is most likely to be applied.
Author(s): Cynthia L. Curl, Carly Hyland, Meredith Spivak, et al.
Citation: Environmental Health Perspectives, 131(12)
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Evaluating Maternal Health Capacity Building in Rural and Underserved Areas: A Research Protocol
Describes a research protocol evaluating a project addressing maternal care shortages in rural and underserved areas of Utah.
Author(s): R.W. Owens, T.C. Whittaker, A. Galt, et al.
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 23(4)
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Mississippi Maternal Mortality Report: 2016-2020
Report from the Mississippi Maternal Review Committee (MMRC) offering analysis of maternal deaths between 2016 and 2020 and recommendations for reducing mortality, including rural-specific needs. Analysis includes mortality by race and ethnicity, age, and leading causes.
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Mississippi State Department of Health
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Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Spanish-Speaking Pregnant People
Interviewed 30 rural Spanish speaking women who were pregnant or recently postpartum to determine social media advertisement factors that influenced COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Offers recommendations for public health messaging campaigns based on findings.
Author(s): Magali Sanchez, Iveliz Martel, Elizabeth Cox, et al.
Citation: Vaccines (Basel), 11(11), 1726
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
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Impact of Geography and Rurality on Preconception Health Status in the United States
Examines preconception health risk and disparities in women aged 18 to 44 years according to health factors, health behaviors, and sociodemographics. Utilizes 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to assess for preconception health risk with results broken down by race, age, education, insurance status, income, rural versus urban, and regional location.
Author(s): Madison D. Haiman, Catherine Cubbin
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 20
Date: 11/2023
Type: Document
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Rural Health and Well-Being
A two-part recorded webinar that first discusses social well-being in rural areas and suggested policy and programmatic interventions to improve well-being. Also provides information on the community-based participatory research Health Equity for Rural Mothers and Families Project (HER), which advocates for health equity for pregnant women and new mothers in rural North Carolina.
Additional links: Part 1 Slides, Part 2 Slides
Author(s): Carrie Henning-Smith, Sarah E. (Betsy) Bledsoe
Date: 11/2023
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: North Central Regional Center for Rural Development
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Improving Maternity Care for Indigenous Populations
Podcast episode featuring a discussion with Tina Pattara-Lau, M.D., maternal and child health consultant with the Indian Health Service Office of Clinical and Preventive Services, and Johnna Nynas, M.D., obstetrics and gynecology specialist at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. Describes common disparities and systemic barriers Indigenous people experience in maternity care and ways hospitals and healthcare organizations can address these challenges and provide culturally-focused care.
Date: 11/2023
Type: Audio
Sponsoring organization: American Hospital Association
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