Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Introducing A Trauma-Informed Care Model To Address Racial Disparities In Perinatal Outcomes Among African American Women, Mariah K. White

Honors College Theses

Racial disparities in maternal and infant health have remained an issue within the United States despite efforts to advance and improve our health system. Most maternal deaths are preventable, especially with early and adequate maternal care. Infant mortality occurs for several reasons, but inadequate care usage increases the risk for adverse outcomes. Prenatal care usage within the United States has been inadequate for numerous years, most commonly among African American women, despite its known benefit. Low prenatal care usage among African American women can be attributed to community barriers, social injustices, trauma, discrimination, and health care mistrust. Trauma is common …