Knowledge of Pregnancy and Postpartum Complications up to One Year Postpartum Compared by Rurality

Introduction: Georgia has one of the highest maternal mortality rate in the U.S. at 46.2 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, disproportionately affecting Black and rural populations. This study sought to 1) assess knowledge of Georgian adults about complications and urgent warning signs both during pregnancy and up to 1-year postpartum, and 2) characterize knowledge within rural and urban population. Methods: As part of a larger study, an online survey with previously validated questions was distributed to Georgia residents through social media and email. Data was grouped into 2 different categories: 1) pregnancy warning signs and 2) post-partum warning signs. To characterize knowledge, we compared response scores by participant’s current zip code (urban, large rural city/ town (LRCT), small rural town, isolated small rural town) using ANOVAs. Results: Adults (n= 441) ages 18-76 completed the survey provided a Georgia zip code (56.5% urban, 33.3% LRCT, 7.7% small rural town, 2.4% isolated small rural town). Among participants, 34% failed to identify life-endangering warning signs during pregnancy, and 36% failed to identify dangerous warning signs during postpartum. Urban residents were less likely to identify urgent maternal warning signs during pregnancy (39%) and urgent maternal warning signs up to one year post-partum (42%) compared to LRCT participants (28% and 30%). Urban residents had a significantly lower proportion of individuals who identified harmful exposures (54%) and preeclampsia (59%) as pregnancy complication compared to LRCT (59% and 72%), respectively. The odds of identifying suicidal thoughts during pregnancy were 44% lower among urban residents compared to LRCT. Conclusion: Although knowledge of pregnancy and postpartum warning signs was low among participants, knowledge was significantly lower in urban areas compared to large rural city/town. Our findings provide an opportunity for intervention to increase maternal health literacy among adults in Georgia

The Lifecourse Perspective Theory as a strategy for improving Maternal Mortality in Georgia

Background: Maternal mortality and morbidity outcomes in Georgia are among the highest in the United States, with women of color experiencing higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to their White counterparts. Public health policies such as Medicaid expansion have been suggested as one method for improving maternal mortality. In addition, the Life Course Perspective or Theory approach to maternal and child health suggests a complex interplay of biological, behavioral, psychological and social protective factors contributes to health outcomes across the span of a person’s life. Methods: Using the Lifecourse Theory Perspective/Theory along with current maternal health policies the presenters will share how interventions at various stages would improve maternal health outcomes, specifically reducing maternal mortality in Georgia. Anticipated Results: Specific common risk factors for maternal mortality across the lifespan will be identified and recommendations for how public health can address these risk factors for reducing maternal mortality will be addressed. Conclusion: Using the Lifecourse Perspective/Theory to address maternal mortality will be an important strategy for health care to improving maternal health outcome

The Lifecourse Perspective Theory as a strategy for improving Maternal Mortality in Georgia

Background: Maternal mortality and morbidity outcomes in Georgia are among the highest in the United States, with women of color experiencing higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to their White counterparts. Public health policies such as Medicaid expansion have been suggested as one method for improving maternal mortality. In addition, the Life Course Perspective or Theory approach to maternal and child health suggests a complex interplay of biological, behavioral, psychological and social protective factors contributes to health outcomes across the span of a person’s life. Methods: Using the Lifecourse Theory Perspective/Theory along with current maternal health policies the presenters will share how interventions at various stages would improve maternal health outcomes, specifically reducing maternal mortality in Georgia. Anticipated Results: Specific common risk factors for maternal mortality across the lifespan will be identified and recommendations for how public health can address these risk factors for reducing maternal mortality will be addressed. Conclusion: Using the Lifecourse Perspective/Theory to address maternal mortality will be an important strategy for health care to improving maternal health outcome