Using the ecological systems theory to understand black/white disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. | PSNet

Using the ecological systems theory to understand black/white disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. | PSNet

Using the ecological systems theory to understand black/white disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States 

Noursi S, Saluja B, Richey L. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. 2020

This study used ecological systems theory to review the literature on the root causes of racial disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality at the individual, interpersonal, community, and societal levels. Factors influencing disparities include access to preconception and prenatal care, implicit bias among health care providers, the need for quality improvement among black-serving hospitals, and policies such as parental leave. The authors also identify interventions likely to reduce disparities, such as improving health professional education, alternate prenatal care providers, and reforming Medicaid policies.