Exploring the perspectives of healthcare professionals on the most significant health disparities observed in perinatal settings: A qualitative study

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q1 NURSING Midwifery Pub Date : 2025-03-11 DOI:10.1016/j.midw.2025.104366

Kayleigh A. Gregory , Madelyn J. Hill , Mastano Dzimbiri , Ashley L. Merianos

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Abstract

Background

Perinatal mood disorders impact an estimated 15–21% of pregnant and postpartum women and are the leading cause of maternal mortality. Research indicates that social and economic factors, racism, and persistent stress contribute to maternal and infant health outcomes. Healthcare professionals can play a key role in assisting perinatal mothers with their mental health and addressing systemic disparities that may impact access to care. Understanding healthcare professionals’ perceptions is the first step in tailoring existing evidence-based interventions, implementing training in perinatal settings, and providing patient-centered care during this period.

Methods

We used a purposive sampling technique to recruit 19 providers comprising of

OBGYN providers, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives who work in the United States; specifically, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended interview questions were conducted. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and main themes emerged from the transcripts.

Results

Five major themes were identified regarding the most significant health disparities observed in OBGYN practice in the Midwest area: (1) location-based disparities in access and support for perinatal care; (2) barriers to accessing perinatal care; (3) intersecting health risks; (4) racial disparities; (5) navigating isolation.

Conclusions

Study findings provide a comprehensive view of the health disparities perceived by these healthcare professionals during the perinatal period. These findings offer insight into the systemic inequities that affect maternal and infant outcomes. Overall, results may offer evidence for improving cultural competency in the medical setting and providing a greater understanding of the complex interplay of factors that influence outcomes for mothers and infants.

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来源期刊

Midwifery 医学-护理

CiteScore

4.50

自引率

7.40%

发文量

221

审稿时长

13.4 weeks

期刊介绍： Midwifery publishes the latest peer reviewed international research to inform the safety, quality, outcomes and experiences of pregnancy, birth and maternity care for childbearing women, their babies and families. The journal’s publications support midwives and maternity care providers to explore and develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes informed by best available evidence. Midwifery provides an international, interdisciplinary forum for the publication, dissemination and discussion of advances in evidence, controversies and current research, and promotes continuing education through publication of systematic and other scholarly reviews and updates. Midwifery articles cover the cultural, clinical, psycho-social, sociological, epidemiological, education, managerial, workforce, organizational and technological areas of practice in preconception, maternal and infant care. The journal welcomes the highest quality scholarly research that employs rigorous methodology. Midwifery is a leading international journal in midwifery and maternal health with a current impact factor of 1.861 (© Thomson Reuters Journal Citation Reports 2016) and employs a double-blind peer review process.