Racial and ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity prevalence and trends.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Racial/ethnic disparities in severe maternal morbidity (SMM) are substantial, but little is known about whether these disparities are changing over time or the role of maternal and obstetric factors.

Methods

We examined disparities in SMM prevalence and trends using linked birth certificate and delivery discharge records from Californian births during 1997-2014 (n = 8,252,025).

Results

The prevalence of SMM was highest in non-Hispanic (NH) Black women (1.63%), lowest in NH White women (0.84%), and increased from 1997 to 2014 by approximately 170% in each racial/ethnic group. The magnitude of SMM disparities remained consistent over time. Compared with NH White women, the adjusted risk of SMM was higher in women who identified as Hispanic (RR 1.14; 95% CI 1.12,

SUBMITTER: Leonard SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6502679 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature