| dc.description.abstract | Maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates in the United States (U.S.) remain alarmingly high, emphasizing the urgent need for interventions to address healthcare disparities. Access to preconception care (PCC) and early prenatal care is critical for improving health outcomes, yet barriers and lack of knowledge hinder adequate care for many women. This paper presents the findings, discussion, and recommendations from a Practice Improvement Project (PIP) to enhance education and awareness about PCC and prenatal care among women in rural and underserved communities.
Flyers were used to recruit women of childbearing age from three rural and underserved communities. The educational module included a pre-intervention survey, a short educational video, and a post-intervention questionnaire. Thirteen participants completed the entire module successfully.
Utilizing quantitative methods, the PIP revealed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding PCC and prenatal care following targeted education. Notable increases in knowledge were observed, particularly in crucial areas such as folic acid intake and risks associated with pregnancy. Positive shifts in attitudes and intentions towards seeking care were also noted post-intervention. The project's success was underpinned by applying Dr. Nola Pender's Health Promotion Model and the Iowa Model Revised, guiding design, implementation, and evaluation phases.
Recommendations for future projects include recruiting participants in multiple languages and collaborating with clinics to increase participation rates among diverse populations. Dissemination efforts included sharing findings with nurse practitioners through professional networks and publications. Despite limitations such as small sample size and recruitment challenges, the project highlights the importance of educating women on PCC and prenatal care benefits. Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes by addressing barriers and increasing access to comprehensive education. Efforts to promote widespread access to PCC and routine prenatal care are essential for positively impacting maternal and infant health in the U.S. | en_US |
