Scholarlink

Background <p>Maternal mortality in the United States disproportionately affects racial minorities and rural populations, yet limited research examines how these factors intersect to compound risks.</p> Methods <p>We conducted a systematic review of four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Scopus) from 2015 to 2023, identifying studies that analyzed maternal mortality disparities by both race and geography in the United States. Using predetermined inclusion criteria, we extracted data on study design, population characteristics, and outcomes. A descriptive synthesis was performed due to methodological heterogeneity across studies.</p> Results <p>Seven studies met inclusion criteria, drawing from national surveillance systems, state health departments, and hospital databases across diverse geographic regions. All studies documented significantly higher maternal mortality among Black women compared to White women, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.65 to 1.81. Rural areas showed pregnancy-related mortality ratios up to 60% higher than large metropolitan areas. Intersectional analyses revealed a “double disparity” pattern where racial minorities in rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged areas faced compounded risks. Black women experienced 3.4 times higher pregnancy-related mortality across all geographic settings, while the most deprived neighborhoods showed 78% higher odds of severe maternal outcomes. Insurance gaps, particularly postpartum Medicaid coverage loss, emerged as a critical contributing factor.</p> Conclusions <p>The intersection of racial minority status and rural residence creates compounded maternal mortality risks. Interventions must simultaneously address systemic racism in healthcare and expand rural obstetric services while ensuring continuous postpartum insurance coverage.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Unraveling the Interplay of Race and Geography on Maternal Mortality in the United States

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月29日

查看全文
  • Deepti Sanku,
  • Caleb Zimmerman,
  • Mahreen Anwar,
  • Payton Wolbert,
  • Nicole Burmeister,
  • Cade Cantu,
  • Neehar Haryadi,
  • Danielle Janowicz,
  • Alexia Lucas,
  • Beth Bailey

摘要

Background

Maternal mortality in the United States disproportionately affects racial minorities and rural populations, yet limited research examines how these factors intersect to compound risks.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Scopus) from 2015 to 2023, identifying studies that analyzed maternal mortality disparities by both race and geography in the United States. Using predetermined inclusion criteria, we extracted data on study design, population characteristics, and outcomes. A descriptive synthesis was performed due to methodological heterogeneity across studies.

Results

Seven studies met inclusion criteria, drawing from national surveillance systems, state health departments, and hospital databases across diverse geographic regions. All studies documented significantly higher maternal mortality among Black women compared to White women, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.65 to 1.81. Rural areas showed pregnancy-related mortality ratios up to 60% higher than large metropolitan areas. Intersectional analyses revealed a “double disparity” pattern where racial minorities in rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged areas faced compounded risks. Black women experienced 3.4 times higher pregnancy-related mortality across all geographic settings, while the most deprived neighborhoods showed 78% higher odds of severe maternal outcomes. Insurance gaps, particularly postpartum Medicaid coverage loss, emerged as a critical contributing factor.

Conclusions

The intersection of racial minority status and rural residence creates compounded maternal mortality risks. Interventions must simultaneously address systemic racism in healthcare and expand rural obstetric services while ensuring continuous postpartum insurance coverage.