scholarly journals Outcomes of Care for 1,892 Doula-Supported Adolescent Births in the United States: The DONA International Data Project, 2000 to 2013

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney L. Everson ◽  
Melissa Cheyney ◽  
Marit L. Bovbjerg
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Perinatal Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Outcomes Of Care ◽  
Adolescent Deliveries ◽  
Maternal And Infant Health ◽  
International Data

This is the largest study to-date to report on outcomes of care for a national sample of doula-supported adolescent births (n = 1,892, birth years 2000 to 2013). Descriptive statistics were calculated for maternal demographics, risk profiles, labor/birth interventions and occurrences, and birth outcomes. In this national sample, childbearing adolescents and their neonates experienced improved health outcomes and lower rates of intervention relative to national statistics for adolescent deliveries in the United States. Key findings are consistent with previous studies on the effects of doula care for marginalized and medically underserved communities. Results strengthen the case for doulas as a perinatal care strategy for improving maternal and infant health outcomes and decreasing inequities among childbearing adolescents.

scholarly journals A mixed-methods longitudinal study of Marshallese infant feeding beliefs and experiences in the United States: a study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Britni L. Ayers ◽  
Cari A. Bogulski ◽  
Lauren Haggard-Duff ◽  
James P. Selig ◽  
Pearl A. McElfish
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Breastfeeding Intention ◽  
Maternal And Infant Health

Abstract Background Arkansas has the largest population of Marshallese Pacific Islanders residing in the continental United States. Marshallese are disproportionately burdened by poorer maternal and infant health outcomes. Exclusive breastfeeding can prevent or help mitigate maternal and infant health disparities. However, exclusive breastfeeding among United States Marshallese communities remains disproportionately low, and the reasons are not well documented. This paper describes the protocol of a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation longitudinal study designed to explore the beliefs and experiences that serve as barriers and/or facilitators to exclusive breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration among Marshallese mothers in northwest Arkansas. Methods The mixed-methods design collects qualitative and quantitative data during simultaneous data collection events, at third trimester, six weeks postpartum, and six months postpartum. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed separately and then synthesized during the interpretation phase. The research team will disseminate results to study participants, research stakeholders, the broader Marshallese community, and fellow researchers. Discussion Findings and results will be presented in subsequent manuscripts upon completion of the study. This study will be an important first step to better understand beliefs and experiences to exclusive breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration in this community and will inform tools and interventions to help improve health outcomes. The study will also aid in filling the gap in research and providing essential information on the infant feeding beliefs and barriers among a Marshallese community in Arkansas.

Examining the Relationship Between Incarceration and Population Health: The Roles of Region and Urbanicity

2020 ◽  
pp. 088740342091690
Author(s):  
Robert R. Weidner ◽  
Jennifer Schultz
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Geographic Variations ◽  
Collateral Consequences ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship

Among the myriad collateral consequences of the high level of incarceration in the United States is its detrimental effects on public health. Just as there are geographic variations in level of incarceration within the United States, so too are there variations in health outcomes. This study examines the relationship between incarceration rates and population health for a national sample of counties from 2015, with a focus on how this relationship is influenced by both region (South vs. non-South) and whether a jurisdiction is rural. To obtain unbiased estimates of the effect of incarceration rates on two alternate health outcomes, it employs two-stage least-squares modeling, which accounts for the endogeneity of incarceration rates when determining their effect on population health. Results indicate that level of incarceration has a detrimental effect on both mortality (i.e., premature death) and morbidity (i.e., self-reported health), and that these effects are more pronounced in rural and Southern counties. Implications of these findings for both policy and research are considered.

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