U.S. Maternal Mortality Within a Global Context: Historical Trends, Current State, and Future Directions

Douthard, Regine A; Martin, Iman K.; Chapple-McGruder, Theresa; Langer, Ana; Chang, Soju

doi:10.1089/jwh.2020.8863

Cited by 40 publications

(43 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Maternal and infant mortality rates in the United States (U.S.) constitute an important public health problem, because these rates surpass those in similarly large, developed, and wealthy countries, and are characterized by stark disparities for people of color, underserved rural residents, and those of a low socioeconomic status. For example, although the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has decreased by 45% over the last three decades (385 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 211 in 2017), the U.S. MMR (calculated as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) has increased by 58% (12 in 1990 to 19 in 2017) [1]. Every year, about 700 U.S. women die due to pregnancy and its complications [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Critical Review on the Complex Interplay between Social Determinants of Health and Maternal and Infant Mortality

Dagher

Linares

2022

Children

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Background: U.S. maternal and infant mortality rates constitute an important public health problem, because these rates surpass those in developed countries and are characterized by stark disparities for racial/ethnic minorities, rural residents, and individuals with less privileged socioeconomic status due to social determinants of health (SDoH). Methods: A critical review of the maternal and infant mortality literature was performed to determine multilevel SDoH factors leading to mortality disparities with a life course lens. Results: Black mothers and infants fared the worst in terms of mortality rates, likely due to the accumulation of SDoH experienced as a result of structural racism across the life course. Upstream SDoH are important contributors to disparities in maternal and infant mortality. More research is needed on the effectiveness of continuous quality improvement initiatives for the maternal–infant dyad, and expanding programs such as paid maternity leave, quality, stable and affordable housing, and social safety-nets (Medicaid, CHIP, WIC), in reducing maternal and infant mortality. Finally, it is important to address research gaps in individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors, because they affect maternal and infant mortality and related disparities. Conclusion: Key SDoH at multiple levels affect maternal and infant health. These SDoH shape and perpetuate disparities across the lifespan and are implicated in maternal and infant mortality disparities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Critical Review on the Complex Interplay between Social Determinants of Health and Maternal and Infant Mortality

Dagher

Linares

2022

Children

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“…2 The maternal mortality rate in the United States has increased by 58% since 1990, a time during which 157 of 183 countries in a World Health Organization study reported significant declines in maternal death. 3 , 4 Meanwhile, large racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities persist. For example, African American women are more than thrice as likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth as White women, a gap that has not narrowed in decades.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Summary and Conclusion: Framing a New Research Agenda on Maternal Morbidities and Mortality in the United States

Noursi

2021

Journal of Women's Health

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Maternal mortality in the United States is at an alarming rate. Research can have an important role in addressing maternal mortality, but our current understanding of its causes and prevention remains woefully incomplete. The collection of articles in this volume begin to frame a new research agenda by asking four critical questions. First, what truly makes vulnerable populations vulnerable? Second, how do we prevent pregnancy complications and their long-term sequelae? Third, how can we make maternity care safer for all women? Finally, what can we do about the social, structural, and environmental determinants of maternal health? Answers to these questions can help inform practice, systems, and policy change to reduce and ultimately eradicate maternal deaths in the United States.

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“…WHSs were important guarantees to improve women’s health, and in the context of achieving the SDGs’ target. It is necessary to provide suitable services with increased attention, coordination and integration at the government level [ 78 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are Essential Women’s Healthcare Services Fully Covered? A Comparative Analysis of Policy Documents in Shanghai and New York City from 1978–2017

Zhou

Wang

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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This study aimed to analyze the changes in the 10 major categories of women’s healthcare services (WHSs) in Shanghai (SH) and New York City (NYC) from 1978 to 2017, and examine the relationship between these changes and maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Content analysis of available public policy documents concerning women’s health was conducted. Two indicators were designed to represent the delivery of WHSs: The essential women’s healthcare service coverage rate (ESCR) and the assessable essential healthcare service coverage rate (AESCR). Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the two indicators and MMR. In SH, the ESCR increased from 10% to 90%, AESCR increased from 0% to 90%, and MMR decreased from 24.0/100,000 to 1.01/100,000. In NYC, the ESCR increased from 0% to 80%, the AESCR increased from 0% to 60%, and the MMR decreased from 24.7/100,000 to 21.4/100,000. The MMR significantly decreased as both indicators increased (p < 0.01). Major advances have been made in women’s healthcare in both cities, with SH having a better improvement effect. A common shortcoming for both was the lack of menopausal health service provision. The promotion of women’s health still needs to receive continuous attention from governments of SH and NYC. The experiences of the two cities showed that placing WHSs among policy priorities is effective in improving service status.

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U.S. Maternal Mortality Within a Global Context: Historical Trends, Current State, and Future Directions

Cited by 40 publications

References 39 publications

A Critical Review on the Complex Interplay between Social Determinants of Health and Maternal and Infant Mortality

A Critical Review on the Complex Interplay between Social Determinants of Health and Maternal and Infant Mortality

Summary and Conclusion: Framing a New Research Agenda on Maternal Morbidities and Mortality in the United States

Are Essential Women’s Healthcare Services Fully Covered? A Comparative Analysis of Policy Documents in Shanghai and New York City from 1978–2017

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