Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
7-5-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
7-5-2025 4:00 PM
Description
Introduction: Maternal health disparities remain a critical public health issue in rural Georgia, where limited healthcare access contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Barriers such as provider shortages, transportation difficulties, and socioeconomic constraints delay prenatal care, increasing the risk of complications. This study examines patterns in prenatal care access, common health presentations, and pregnancy-related risk factors to inform targeted educational interventions.
Objective: This study aims to analyze health trends among pregnant women at Sterling Women's Center, focusing on risk factors, symptoms, and timing of initial prenatal visits, with the goal of improving maternal health literacy and care accessibility.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records from Sterling Women’s Center between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Data from first-time mothers residing in Colquitt County were analyzed, including maternal age, infections (STIs, HIV), chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders), teratogenic medication use, substance use, and history of spontaneous abortion. Patient confidentiality was maintained through data de-identification.
Results: Preliminary findings indicate that rural women often present with multiple risk factors, including infections, chronic illnesses, and substance use disorders. Delays in prenatal care initiation are frequently linked to financial constraints, transportation difficulties, and lack of insurance, highlighting systemic barriers to healthcare access.
Conclusion: Targeted educational interventions led by medical students can enhance prenatal health literacy, promote early care-seeking behaviors, and reduce disparities in maternal outcomes. Findings from this study will inform strategies to improve healthcare delivery in rural settings, supporting healthier pregnancies and reducing maternal-fetal health risks.
Embargo Period
6-2-2025
Included in
Health profiles, risk factors, and timing of first prenatal visits among Colquitt County residents: An observational study to inform educational interventions
Moultrie, GA
Introduction: Maternal health disparities remain a critical public health issue in rural Georgia, where limited healthcare access contributes to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Barriers such as provider shortages, transportation difficulties, and socioeconomic constraints delay prenatal care, increasing the risk of complications. This study examines patterns in prenatal care access, common health presentations, and pregnancy-related risk factors to inform targeted educational interventions.
Objective: This study aims to analyze health trends among pregnant women at Sterling Women's Center, focusing on risk factors, symptoms, and timing of initial prenatal visits, with the goal of improving maternal health literacy and care accessibility.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using medical records from Sterling Women’s Center between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Data from first-time mothers residing in Colquitt County were analyzed, including maternal age, infections (STIs, HIV), chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders), teratogenic medication use, substance use, and history of spontaneous abortion. Patient confidentiality was maintained through data de-identification.
Results: Preliminary findings indicate that rural women often present with multiple risk factors, including infections, chronic illnesses, and substance use disorders. Delays in prenatal care initiation are frequently linked to financial constraints, transportation difficulties, and lack of insurance, highlighting systemic barriers to healthcare access.
Conclusion: Targeted educational interventions led by medical students can enhance prenatal health literacy, promote early care-seeking behaviors, and reduce disparities in maternal outcomes. Findings from this study will inform strategies to improve healthcare delivery in rural settings, supporting healthier pregnancies and reducing maternal-fetal health risks.