Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

Barriers In Health Care Leading To High Maternal Mortality Rates In Southern New Jersey, Katarina Rusinak Oms I, Muznah Khan, Ava Dinardo, Nayarith Lopez Oms Ii

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Maternal mortality remains a significant issue in New Jersey, particularly in the Southern counties where rates are alarmingly high. This study investigates barriers faced by mothers in these areas, utilizing data from state health departments, as well as the CDC. Findings reveal clear disparities in healthcare access and resources, exacerbated by high poverty and rural settings. Proposed interventions include educational posters and community workshops to empower expecting mothers and families. However, challenges such as low attendance and limited effectiveness of interventions underscore the need for comprehensive, sustainable solutions to tackle maternal mortality in Southern New Jersey.

Improving Access To Community Resources For Mothers In Southern New Jersey, Ariana Blake, Josalynn Maree, Nayarith Lopez, Vanessa Pizutelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Maternal mortality rates have skyrocketed across the nation. New Jersey specifically has one of the highest rates across all 50 states. According to the New Jersey Maternal Health Report, southern New Jersey has the highest maternal mortality ratio, with 91% of the maternal deaths throughout New Jersey between 2016-2018 being preventable. It is crucial that families are receiving support during pregnancy and postpartum from the health care system and their community in order to reduce this trend. Acenda Integrated Health’s Connecting NJ aims to provide community support by connecting expectant mothers and families with children under the age of 3 …

Breastfeeding Education Support Tool For Baby (Best4baby): Feasibility, Acceptability, And Preliminary Impact Of An Mhealth Supported Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Intervention In Rural India, Parth D. Lalakia, Vanessa L. Short, Roopa M. Bellad, Patricia J. Kelly, Yukiko Washio, Tony Ma, Katie Chang, Niranjana Majantashetti, Umesh S. Charantimath, Frances J. Jaeger, Shivaprasad S. Goudar, Richard J. Derman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of an mHealth-supported breastfeeding peer counselor intervention implemented in rural India and the preliminary impact of the intervention on maternal breastfeeding behaviors, including exclusive breastfeeding (EBF).

Methods: In this quasi-experimental pilot study, participants received either the intervention plus usual care (n = 110) or usual care alone (n = 112). The intervention group received nine in-home visits during and after pregnancy from peer counselors who provided education about and support for EBF and other optimal infant feeding practices and were aided with an mHealth tool. The control group received routine prenatal and postnatal health education. …

The Impact Of Exercise On Pregnant Women Aged 18-40 And Fetal Development, Jinisha Patwa

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

68% of those who performed minimum level exercise prior to pregnancy stopped completely during early pregnancy.

Women stop exercising during pregnancy due to worries about the impact it may have on the development of the fetus.

Starting moderate-intensity, weight-bearing exercise early in pregnancy increases placental growth rate and volume.

Exercise reduces the risks of excess gestational weight gain and high maternal body weight before pregnancy.

Physical exercise reduces the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus.