Preconception Health Risks Among U.S. Women: Disparities at the Intersection of Disability and Race or Ethnicity

Severe Maternal Morbidity and Other Perinatal Complications Among Black, Hispanic, and White Birthing Persons With and Without Physical Disabilities

Background: People with physical disabilities are at increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Risks may be even greater for disabled people in minoritized racial or ethnic groups, but little is known about this intersection. Methods: We analyzed linked hospital discharge and vital records data from California, 2008-2020. We identified physical disabilities using diagnosis codes for maternal congenital anomalies, major injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, or nervous system disorders. We compared birthing persons in five groups (Black and Hispanic with and without physical disabilities, White with physical disabilities) to a reference group of non-Hispanic Whites without disabilities. We used Poisson regression to assess associations with SMM and other outcomes, with and without adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical covariates. Results: Disabled Black and Hispanic birthing persons had particularly high relative risks (RRs) of SMM (Black disabled RR = 6.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.94, 7.61; Hispanic disabled RR = 3.67, 95% CI: 3.29, 4.10) as compared with nondisabled White persons. These risks were greater than those for nondisabled Black (RR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.99, 2.11), nondisabled Hispanic (RR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.39), and disabled White birthing persons (RR = 2.44, 95% CI: 2.16, 2.77). For most other outcomes, risks were also largest for disabled Black birthing persons, followed by disabled Hispanic birthing persons. Conclusions: Black and Hispanic people with physical disabilities are highly likely to experience SMM and are at increased risk for other complications and adverse outcomes. Efforts are needed to understand underlying causes of these disparities and develop policies and practices to eliminate them.

Pilot study for a preconception educational intervention for people with mobility disabilities

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility and acceptability of our newly designed, tailored preconception educational intervention for people with mobility disabilities.

METHODS

A prospective pre-post pilot study to measure the feasibility and acceptability of an educational intervention for people with mobility disabilities who could become pregnant in the next five years. Before and after general health and preconception knowledge were compared using paired t-tests.

RESULTS

26 participants completed the study from November 2023 - July 2024. The most common diagnoses related to mobility disability were spinal cord injury (n = 9), spina bifida (n = 4), and cerebral palsy (n = 4). The intervention increased general health knowledge by 0.9 points (p = 0.13) and preconception health knowledge by 2.7 points (p = 0.025). A significant increase (1.8 points (95 % CI 0.9-2.6 points), p < 0.001) in preconception health knowledge compared to general health knowledge suggests the intervention successfully improved the targeted knowledge area.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a preconception educational intervention tailored to individuals with mobility disabilities. This intervention holds the potential to improve health literacy, increase preconception health knowledge, and ultimately improve pregnancy outcomes among people with mobility disabilities.

Examining perinatal health inequities: The role of disability and risk of adverse outcomes through the U.S. Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

OBJECTIVE

To examine pre-pregnancy characteristics, pregnancy complications, and birth outcomes among respondents with self-reported disability compared to those without disability.

METHODS

A cross-sectional weighted sample of 2,006,700 respondents with singleton live births who participated in the United States Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) between 2018 and 2021 provided data on disability, including difficulty in vision, hearing, ambulation, cognition, communication, and self-care. We estimated covariate-adjusted odds of differences in pre-pregnancy chronic health conditions, pregnancy intention, intimate partner violence (IPV), depression, adequacy of prenatal care, pregnancy-related health conditions, and birth outcomes by disability status.

RESULTS

Of the 2,006,700 respondents included, 59.5% reported no disability, 33.9% had moderate disability, and 6.6% had severe disability. Across most outcomes, there was a graded pattern with those with severe disability having the worst outcomes compared to the other two groups. Respondents with severe disability were more likely to report diabetes and hypertension before becoming pregnant than respondents without disabilities. Those respondents with severe disability or moderate disability had an increased odds of reporting IPV and depression than those with no disability. During pregnancy, respondents with severe disability had an increased odds of gestational diabetes (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.18, 1.80) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aOR 1.70, 95% CI 1.43, 2.02) as compared to respondents with no disability. Respondents with moderate disability also had an increased odds of both gestational diabetes (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06, 1.34) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.17, 1.42) as compared to those with no disability. The odds of reporting an unintended pregnancy were highest in respondents with a severe disability (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.43, 1.94) and were also increased in respondents with moderate disability (aOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.36, 1.62) as compared to those reporting no disability. Across most birth outcomes, respondents with severe disabilities had worse outcomes with an increased odds of low birth weight infants (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.08, 1.52), preterm birth (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11, 1.57), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.02, 2.06) as compared to respondents with no disability. There were not differences in being classified as small for gestational age or infants' length of hospital stay by disability status.

CONCLUSIONS

Across the perinatal period, respondents with moderate or severe disability experienced worse outcomes than those without disability. There is a critical need to improve pre-conception health in an effort to reduce inequities in pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, health care providers and systems must provide equitable access to care to persons with disabilities to reduce inequities in outcomes.

Consensus Preconception Educational Domains for People With Mobility Disabilities: A Delphi Study

BACKGROUND

Preconception health education is critical to improve pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, but people with mobility disabilities have specific, often unique issues related to preparing for pregnancy. This study sought to develop consensus-based domains for a preconception education curriculum for people with mobility disabilities.

METHODS

We used a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and a Delphi method to develop consensus. Delphi panel members and domains were identified by a systematic review and purposive sampling and the panel included physicians, researchers, and individuals with lived experience of mobility disabilities. A Delphi method was used to reach consensus on domains for a preconception education curriculum for people with mobility disabilities.

RESULTS

The systematic review identified 53 domains of preconception health education. Seventeen individuals participated in the Delphi panel process. After three rounds of quantitative and qualitative consensus feedback, 13 educational domains were selected for preconception education for people with mobility disabilities. The domains were 1) Pregnancy Interest; 2) Infertility and Obstetric History; 3) Genetic History and Screening; 4) Medical History; 5) Medication History; 6) Mental Health History; 7) Nutrition and Weight History; 8) Social Determinants of Health; 9) Intimate Partner Violence and Caregiver Abuse; 10) Functional Mobility and Physical Accommodations; 11) Musculoskeletal and Skin Health; 12) Bowel and Bladder Surgery; and 13) Neurological and Neurosurgical History.

CONCLUSIONS

A consensus preconception education curriculum for people with mobility disabilities includes standard domains plus additional domains focused on functional mobility and physical accommodations: musculoskeletal and skin health, bowel and bladder surgery, and neurological and neurosurgical history.

Preconception health in adolescence and adulthood across generations in the UK: Findings from three British birth cohort studies

Optimising preconception health in women and men holds significant potential for improving pregnancy and offspring health outcomes. To create a picture of the state of preconception health in the UK, this study aimed to describe the prevalence of and changes in preconception health indicators reported in three British birth cohort studies: the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study (BCS70; born in 1970; N = 17,198), Next Steps (1989-1990; N = 15,770), and Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; 2000-2002; N = 19,517). The analysis focused on data obtained during participants' adolescence (16-17 years) and subsequent follow-ups at 25-26 years for BCS70 and Next Steps. Self-reported preconception indicators were defined in line with a previously published review and reported as proportions. Across cohorts, data were available for 14 preconception indicators across four domains: health behaviours and weight, reproductive health and family planning, physical health conditions, and wider determinants of health. However, data for these indicators were not consistently available for all cohort members. Findings suggested persistent suboptimal health behaviours in both genders and across generations, including low intakes of fruit. While alcohol, tobacco, and soft drink intake decreased across generations, obesity prevalence surged. This study underscores the need for public health interventions targeting the root causes of adverse health behaviours towards improvement of fruit consumption, further reduction in alcohol, tobacco, and soft drink consumption, and addressing the escalating obesity rates among individuals of reproductive age. Ongoing monitoring is needed to continue tracking these existing indicators over time, while improved data quality and availability of a wider range of preconception indicators are crucial to comprehensively understanding the complexities of preconception health, enabling the development of more targeted and effective interventions.

Mental health outcomes across the reproductive life course among women with disabilities: a systematic review

PURPOSE

This systematic review examined literature on mental health outcomes among women with disabilities living in high-income countries within the context of reproductive health, spanning menstruation through menopause.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for studies published through June 2023. Eligible studies were observational, quantitative, and included a comparison group without disabilities.

RESULTS

A total of 2,520 studies were evaluated and 27 studies met inclusion criteria. These studies assessed mental health during prepregnancy, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting among women with and without disabilities. None of the studies examined reproductive health time periods related to menstruation, fertility, or menopause. Women of reproductive age with disabilities were more likely to have poor mental health outcomes compared to women without disabilities. During pregnancy and the postpartum, women with disabilities were at greater risk of diagnosed perinatal mental disorders and psychiatric-related healthcare visits. Findings also suggested mental distress and inadequate emotional and social support related to parenting among women with disabilities. The greatest risks of poor mental health outcomes were often observed among women with intellectual and developmental disabilities and among women with multiple types of disabilities, compared to women without disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine reproductive healthcare visits provide significant prevention and treatment opportunities for poor mental health among women with disabilities. Further research examining mental health outcomes within the context of reproductive health, especially understudied areas of menstruation, fertility, parenting, and menopause, among women with disabilities is needed.

Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Preconception Health Risk Factors and Access to Care

Background: Black birthing people have significantly higher risks of maternal mortality and morbidity compared with White people. Preconception chronic conditions increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet little is known about disparities in preconception health. This study applies an intersectional framework to examine the simultaneous contributions of racial marginalization and economic deprivation in determining disparities in preconception risk factors and access to care. Methods: Using data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2016-2020 (N = 123,697), we evaluated disparities by race and income in self-reported preconception hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, and smoking, as well as preconception insurance coverage and utilization of health care. We estimated linear regression models and calculated predicted probabilities. Results: Black respondents experienced higher probabilities of preconception obesity and high blood pressure at every income level compared with White respondents. Higher income did not attenuate the probability of obesity for Black respondents (linear trend p = 0.21), as it did for White respondents (p < 0.001). Conversely, while White respondents with low income were at higher risk of preconception depression and smoking than their Black counterparts, higher income was strongly associated with reduced risk, with significantly steeper reductions for White compared with Black respondents (difference in trends p < 0.001 for both risk factors). White respondents had higher probabilities of utilizing preconception care across all income levels, despite similar probabilities of insurance coverage. Conclusions: Higher income does not protect against the risk of preconception obesity and other preconception risk factors for Black birthing people as it does for White birthing people. Results point to the need to consider multiple forms of intersecting structural factors in policy and intervention research to improve preconception and maternal health.

Preconception health risks by presence and type of disability among U.S. women

BACKGROUND

Poor preconception health may contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes among women with disabilities. While prior research has found higher prevalence of preconception health risks among women with versus without disabilities, existing U.S. studies have not assessed how preconception health risks may differ by disability type. Understanding such differences is relevant for informing and targeting efforts to improve health opportunities and optimize pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study examined preconception health in relation to disability type among reproductive-age women in the United States.

METHODS

We analyzed 2016-2019 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to estimate the prevalence of 19 preconception health risk among non-pregnant women 18-44 years of age. We used modified Poisson regression to compare women with different types of disability to non-disabled women. Disability categories included: 1) hearing difficulty only; 2) vision difficulty only; 3) physical/mobility difficulty only; 4) cognitive difficulty only; 5) multiple or complex disabilities (including limitations in self-care or independent living activities). Multivariable analyses adjusted for other sociodemographic characteristics such as age and marital status.

RESULTS

Women with each disability type experienced a higher prevalence of indicators associated with poor preconception health compared to women with no disabilities. The number and extent of health risks varied substantially by disability type. Women with cognitive disabilities and women with multiple or complex disabilities experienced the greatest risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing the specific preconception health risks experienced by women with different types of disabilities may help reduce adverse perinatal outcomes for disabled women and their infants.

Preconception health disparities among reproductive-aged women with and without disabilities in Canada

OBJECTIVES

Preconception health (PCH), which describes the health status of reproductive-aged individuals, can influence reproductive, maternal, and fetal/neonatal outcomes. PCH disparities have been observed in certain populations, prompting the development of tailored resources. Our objective was to compare the PCH characteristics of women with and without disabilities.

METHODS

We undertook a secondary analysis of the 2003-2014 cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), which included n = 115,295 women aged 15-49 years. Among these, we also examined a sub-sample of n = 12,495 women with a subsequent obstetrical delivery identified in a linkage of the CCHS with the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD, 2003-2017). The outcomes were 8 PCH indicators. We used modified Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for each PCH indicator, comparing women with and without disabilities, and multinomial logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios for 1, 2, and ≥ 3 PCH indicators (vs. 0). Analyses were adjusted for baseline demographics.

RESULTS

Reproductive-aged women with disabilities had significantly increased aPRs of smoking (1.42 [95% CI:1.37-1.48]), obesity (1.57 [1.48-1.65]), and self-reported fair/poor physical (5.56 [5.09-6.07]) and mental health (4.07 [3.71-4.47]), compared to those without disabilities. They were also more likely to have ≥ 3, 2, and 1 PCH indicators (vs. 0). Findings were similar in the sub-sample with a subsequent obstetrical delivery.

CONCLUSION

Canadian reproductive-aged women with disabilities experience important PCH disparities. Further research is needed to inform tailored education and resources to support PCH in individuals with disabilities, in combination with policies to address structural barriers to PCH.

Changes in postpartum insurance and care use by disability status during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

People with disabilities face unique health needs and barriers to perinatal care. The pandemic may have worsened health care access disparities, while pandemic-era Medicaid provisions potentially improved access via increased insurance coverage.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed changes in postpartum insurance, visits, and reproductive health care during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and PHE Medicaid provisions among individuals with disabilities versus individuals without disabilities.

METHODS

We used the 2019-2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System survey and Disability Supplement to compare changes in postpartum outcomes by disability status during COVID-19. Adjusted regression models included an interaction term between disability status and postpartum exposure to the PHE. Comparative differences were examined overall, among low-income respondents, and among respondents with Medicaid-paid deliveries.

RESULTS

During the PHE, there was a significant increase in postpartum Medicaid by 7.1% points (95 % CI: 0.6, 13.6) and a decrease in uninsurance by 5.2% points (95 % CI: -9.0, -1.4) among respondents with disabilities relative to those without. There was a significant increase in postpartum contraception during the PHE among respondents with disabilities relative to those without by 6.3% points (95 % CI: -0.1, 12.5). The PHE was associated with larger increases in postpartum Medicaid and larger decreases in postpartum uninsurance among low-income respondents, with similar estimates among respondents with Medicaid-insured deliveries.

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 PHE, individuals with disabilities saw increased postpartum insurance and improved contraceptive use. As PHE Medicaid provisions are rolled back, these differential improvements should be factored into decisions about postpartum Medicaid eligibility.

Pre-Pregnancy Health Risks by Presence and Extent of Disability, 2019-2020

INTRODUCTION

Prior studies have shown that, compared to non-disabled women, women with disabilities have a higher burden of preconception mental and physical health risks that are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. This cross-sectional study assesses how the extent of disability relates to pre-pregnancy health risks.

METHODS

This study used 2019-2020 PRAMS data from 22 sites that included the Washington Group Short Set of Questions on Disability (n=37,006). In 2023, associations between extent of disability (none [reference group], some difficulty, or a lot of difficulty) and preconception health risks were examined using multivariable Poisson regression with robust standard errors to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Preconception health risks included smoking, heavy drinking, high blood pressure, diabetes, no multivitamin use, and experiencing physical abuse, depression, or obesity. Individual risks were analyzed, as well as the total number of risks experienced.

RESULTS

Of respondents, 33.6% had some difficulty and 6.3% had a lot of difficulty. The likelihood of experiencing preconception health risks increased with extent of disability. Compared to respondents with no difficulty, those with some or a lot of difficulty had a higher prevalence of experiencing 1-2 health risks (aPR=1.13, 95% CI 1.09, 1.18; aPR=1.20; 95% CI 1.53, 2.25) and 3+ health risks (aPR=1.86, 95% CI 1.53, 2.25; aPR=2.42, 95% CI 1.98, 2.97), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Disabled women, especially those with more difficulty, are vulnerable to preconception health risks that could potentially be mitigated before conception. These findings highlight the need for enhanced efforts to support preconception health of disabled women.

Inclusion of Black and Latina Parents With Physical Disabilities in a Qualitative Research Study: A Peer Researcher Training Model

Public health qualitative research has largely failed to achieve full inclusion of people with disabilities and Black people and Latinx/as. Although there is a small, but growing, community of academic researchers from each of these communities, there has been limited involvement of non-academic community members in research. While Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) has informed the inclusion of marginalized groups in research for decades, instances of full inclusion of disabled Black people and Latinx/as in public health research have been minimal. One way to ensure the inclusion of Black/Latinx community members with disabilities is to involve them as peer researchers. As part of a qualitative study examining pregnancy experiences of individuals with physical disabilities from Black/Latinx communities, academic researchers trained four peer researchers to conduct interviews and analyze the data. This paper describes our approach, which may serve as a model for training peer researchers in qualitative research methodology for future studies. All peer researchers were women who identified as Black or Latina parents with physical disabilities. This approach was chosen due to the study's focus on the intersections of disability, race, ethnicity, and pregnancy, and applied a disability justice lens. Although CBPR offers important principles for research existing literature suggests CBPR is not always inclusive and power sharing. Therefore, we developed a research training model which places a unique and timely focus on the intersections of CBPR, racial and disability justice, the importance of building the capacity of Black and Latina disabled peer researchers, and its importance to building community relationships and trust.

Maternal Health Experiences of Black Deaf and Hard of Hearing Women in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) women are faced with numerous health inequities, including adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. These outcomes are likely exacerbated for Black DHH women because of the intersection of disability and race. This study aimed to explore the pregnancy and birth experiences of Black DHH women to identify factors that influence their pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews were conducted between 2018 and 2019 with 67 DHH women who gave birth in the past five years. The present study represents a subgroup analysis of eight of the 67 women who self-identified as Black. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for emerging themes.

RESULTS

Primary themes centered on unmet needs, barriers, and facilitators. Barriers included limited access to health information owing to communication difficulties and challenges obtaining accommodations. Key facilitators included the availability of sign language interpreters, familial support, and cultural understanding from providers. Participants emphasized these facilitators in their recommendations to providers and DHH women. Findings also underscored the critical role of recognizing cultural identity in perinatal health care delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study outlines themes that affect pregnancy and birthing experiences among Black DHH women in the United States. Study implications include a call to action for providers to prioritize communication accommodations, accessible information, and compassionate care for all Black DHH women. Furthermore, future work should explore the impact of cultural and racial concordance between patients and their health care providers and staff. Understanding how intersectional identities affect perinatal health care access is crucial for reducing disparities among Black DHH women.

Preconception knowledge, beliefs and behaviours among people of reproductive age: A systematic review of qualitative studies

BACKGROUND

The health of parents before pregnancy influences the short- and long-term health of their offspring. This systematic review explored the preconception knowledge, beliefs and behaviours held by women and men of childbearing age.

METHODS

Databases were searched from 2009 to 2022 (MEDLINE, CINAHL Full-text, PsycINFO, EMBASE). Inclusion criteria specified qualitative research papers which recruited individuals of reproductive age (16-45 years) without existing chronic illnesses. Data were quality assessed and analysed using thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

Twelve papers met inclusion criteria. Six themes were identified (cultural context, pregnancy planning, knowledge, gender roles and responsibility, information seeking, prior health behaviours) which relate to individual, social, psychological and cultural factors. Cultural context was related to all other themes. Pregnancy planners had greater motivation to optimise their health whereas those not actively planning were focused more on becoming financially stable. Women and men's knowledge of how and why to engage in health protective behaviours was limited, with health risks and behaviour change discussed in the context of pregnancy rather than preconception. Gender roles influenced individual responsibility for preparation for pregnancy, which in turn influenced information seeking behaviours and engagement in health behaviours. Online sources of support and information were seen as desirable, regardless of pregnancy planning stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that behaviour change interventions designed to support people to optimise health before conception should address cultural, individual, social and psychological factors to facilitate behaviour change. Development of online resources may help to increase accessibility for people across different cultural contexts and stages of pregnancy planning.

Health information seeking in the digital age: a national survey of women with disabilities

PURPOSE

Access to high quality and accessible online health information (OHI) is critical for reducing disparities, overcoming barriers, and improving the health of women with disabilities. This study aimed to understand women with physical disabilities' use of the Internet to access OHI, most often searched health topics, perceived usefulness of OHI, and self-reported eHealth literacy and challenges in OHI seeking.

METHODS

We conducted a national online survey with 508 women with physical disabilities who used the Internet.

RESULTS

Respondents utilized a wide variety of OHI resources. They searched a broad array of health and disability-related topics, with bowel/bladder and finding a physician the most highly searched topics. They generally had confidence in their eHealth literacy skills and ability to understand statistics in OHI. Nevertheless, although our sample consisted of a majority of highly educated internet-users, a sizeable percentage found OHI seeking difficult and frustrating, did not find the information very helpful, and had concerns about the quality of information.

CONCLUSIONS

This study serves as a call to action to disability and rehabilitation scientists, health care providers, and other health professionals to enhance the availability and accessibility of OHI critical to empowering women with physical disabilities to make well-informed health decisions. Implications for rehabilitationAccess to high quality online health information (OHI) is critical for reducing disparities, overcoming barriers, and improving the health of women with disabilities.Many of the women with disabilities in our study found OHI seeking difficult and frustrating, did not find the information very helpful, and had concerns about the quality of the information.Disability and rehabilitation scientists, health care providers, and public health and health policy professionals need to do more to enhance the availability and accessibility of OHI and resources critical to empowering women with physical disabilities to make well-informed health decisions.Physical medicine and rehabilitation scientists are encouraged to develop and improve assistive technologies needed for accessing OHI, which in turn can promote the independent functioning of people with disabilities.

Disability doesn't discriminate: health inequities at the intersection of race and disability

Objectives

Given the prevalence of discrimination experienced by racial and ethnic minorities living with disabilities, it is likely that racism experienced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) is compounded by the ableism experienced by people with disabilities, widening disparities in health and healthcare outcomes. To address this, we described unmet healthcare needs of a sample of Black, non-Hispanic, and Hispanic adults with and without disabilities. The following research question was examined exploratively: Are Black and Hispanic adults with disabilities at increased risk of unmet healthcare needs compared to Black and Hispanic adults without disabilities according to the 2018 National Health Interview Survey?

Methods

Survey data was examined from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a nationally representative survey of community-dwelling adults in the United States.

Results

Black and non-Hispanic adults most commonly reported mobility only disabilities. People with disabilities were significantly more likely to delay or forego care than their peers without disabilities within each racial/ethnic group. Among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults, nearly 30% of people with disabilities forewent services due to cost compared to persons without disabilities.

Conclusions

Black and Hispanic adults with disabilities experience greater disparities in access to healthcare than Black and Hispanic adults without disabilities. Therefore, health disparities experienced by racial and ethnic minorities living with disabilities is likely influenced by the dual systemic factors of racism and ableism.

Socioeconomic Characteristics, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Health Conditions Among Males of Reproductive Age With and Without Disabilities, NHANES 2013-2018

Health status during the reproductive years influences fecundity, fertility, and the future health of males and their offspring. There remains a dearth of literature examining men's preconception health, especially among high-risk populations, such as those with disabilities. The objective of this study was to examine indicators of preconception health, including chronic medical conditions, lifestyle behaviors, and health care utilization, among males of reproductive age with and without disabilities in the United States. Data were from 3,702 males of reproductive age (18-44 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018. Approximately 14% of males reported having at least one disability related to vision, hearing, cognition, mobility, self-care, or independent living. Among all men, suboptimal preconception health indicators were prevalent including poor or fair self-rated health; low education and household income status; lack of health insurance and no recent utilization of health care and dental care; cigarette smoking; frequent alcohol consumption and binge drinking; marijuana and illegal drug use; obesity; low fruit and vegetable intake and no multi-vitamin use; low physical activity; short sleep durations; depressive symptoms; and hypertension and asthma. Compared to males with no disabilities, males with any disabilities were more likely to have suboptimal preconception health indicators. Strategies to promote and improve sexual health, preconception care, and family planning services among all men are needed. For males with disabilities, specifically, further investigation of their specific health needs related to sex, reproduction, family planning, and fatherhood, as well as interactions with health care providers, is required.

Prevalence and factors associated with sexual and reproductive health services use among reproductive age women with disabilities: a community based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

According to International Convention on the Right of Person with Disabilities (CRPD), all nations should discern Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) as human rights and needs of all people living with disabilities. Women and girls with disabilities are highly vulnerable to SRH disparities including unintended pregnancy, acquiring sexual transmitted infections and unsafe abortion. Little has known about SRH service uptake and influencing factors among reproductive aged women living with disabilities.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1-30, 2021, the central Gondar zone selected districts. A total of 535 reproductive-age (18-49 years) women with disabilities had been interviewed through face-to-face using structured questionnaire. Multistage cluster sampling method was applied. A binary logistic regression model was computed to look the relationship between independent variables and uptake of SRH, and p-value < 0.05 was a cut-off point to declare statistical significance.

RESULTS

A total of 33.27% (178/535) women with disabilities used at least one SRH service in the last twelve months preceding the survey. Those who had three or more children [AOR = 4.85; 95% CI (1.24-9.71)], autonomy to visit health care facilities [AOR = 3.30; 95% CI (1.45-6.92)], lived with sexual partner [AOR = 9.2; 95% CI (2.84-13.60)], subjected to radio/television in daily bases [AOR = 5.9; 95% CI (1.26-13.04)], autonomy to visit friends and relatives [AOR = 3.95; 95% CI (1.28-12.17)], had a discussion with family members about sexual and reproductive health [AOR = 9.36; 95% CI (3.44-17.47)], and engaged in sexual activity after the age of 18 years [AOR = 7.2; 95% CI (2.51-14.45)] were important predictors for service uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Only one in three reproductive age women with disabilities used at least one SRH service. These findings suggest that accessing information through mainstream media exposure, having full autonomous to visit friends and families, open discussion with family members, live with sexual partner, having optimal family size and starting sexual act at the recommended age improve the uptake of SRH services. Therefore, the stakeholders (both governmental and non-governmental) need to make efforts to increase the uptake of SRH services.

E-cigarette, cigarette, dual e-cigarette with cigarette use, and disability status among reproductive-aged women

OBJECTIVE

E-cigarettes have increased steadily among reproductive-aged women, despite our limited understanding of their effect on reproductive health. This study examined the associations of e-cigarette, cigarette, and dual use with disability in reproductive-aged women.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Data for this study were obtained from reproductive-aged women (18-44 years; n = 24,904) from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations of tobacco use patterns (dependent variable, i.e. non-use, current e-cigarette use, current cigarette use, and current dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes) with overall disability and the type of disability (independent variables).

RESULTS

Among women who reported any disability, 70.6%, 8.7%, 11.4% and 9.3% reported non-use, e-cigarette, cigarette, and dual use, respectively. In adjusted analysis, relative to non-use, women who reported any disability had higher odds of e-cigarette (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-3.07), cigarette (aOR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.12-2.25), and dual use (aOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.55-3.62) compared with women without disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

This cross-sectional study found higher odds of current e-cigarette use, cigarette use, and dual use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes among women of reproductive age with ≥1 disability. Improved screening for the use of nicotine products among women of reproductive age with disabilities may be necessary to lessen the use of nicotine products in this vulnerable population.

Development and pilot test of a pregnancy decision making tool for women with physical disabilities

OBJECTIVE

Design and pilot test a new decision making tool for women with physical disabilities (impairment of physical function due to chronic conditions) considering pregnancy.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING

Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews were collected from participants living in the community.

STUDY DESIGN

Clinical guidelines and survey and focus group data about pregnancy informational and decisional needs guided content development. The tool was pilot tested in a 12-week trial with participants with physical disabilities considering or actively planning a pregnancy. Feasibility outcomes were acceptability, implementation, and demand (collected at end of the trial); preliminary efficacy focused on decisional conflict and readiness (baseline, 6 weeks, and end of trial).

DATA COLLECTION

Survey data were collected using an online form. One-on-one interviews were conducted to learn more about experience using the tool.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Thirty eight participants with mild, moderate, or severe physical disabilities participated. Feasibility outcomes indicated that the tool provided participants with information, guiding questions, and helped them to consider multiple aspects of the decision about pregnancy. Most participants responded positively to the new decision making tool, finding it easy to use and the information balanced. Feedback highlighted opportunity for improvement, such as more specific information, peer stories, and the limitations of a paper format. There was significant linear effect of time, with increased decisional certainty and readiness, values clarity, and decisional support (partial η2 [90% CI] = 0.310 [0.08, 0.46], 0.435 [0.19, 0.60], 0.134 [0, 0.29], 0.178 [0.01, 0.35], respectively). Decisional certainty and readiness had high observed power (96.7% and 99.3%, respectively) with lower observed power for clarity and support (60.6% and 75.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The new tool shows promise for supporting women with physical disabilities in navigating pregnancy decision making. Future development of complementary strategies to support health care providers will help improve shared decision making and patient-centered care.

Dietary Quality and Diet-Related Factors Among Female Adults of Reproductive Age With and Without Disabilities Participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018

BACKGROUND

Female adults of reproductive age (18 to 44 years) with disabilities have higher rates of health-risk behaviors and chronic conditions compared with their counterparts without disabilities; however, there is limited examination of diet.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to examine associations of self-reported disability status with diet quality and diet-related factors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Female adults aged 18 through 44 years were included. Disability was defined as serious difficulty hearing, seeing, concentrating, walking, dressing, and/or running errands due to physical, mental, or emotional conditions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The Healthy Eating Index-2015 assessed diet quality. Diet-related factors included self-rated diet healthfulness, meal characteristics, food security, and food assistance programs.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Multivariable linear regression estimated differences in Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores for a given day and multivariable Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% CI of diet-related factors by disability status.

RESULTS

Of 3,579 female adults, 557 (16%) reported any disabilities, 207 (6%) of whom reported having 2 or more types of disabilities. Differences in mean Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores for a given day were one-third to one-half a point lower for fruits, total protein foods, and seafood and plant proteins among female adults with 2 or more types of disabilities compared with those without disabilities. Female adults with any disabilities were more likely to rate their diet as poor, have low food security, participate in food-assistance programs, and consume frozen foods or pizza, compared with those without disabilities (adjusted prevalence ratio ranged from 1.35 to 1.93); they were less likely to be the main food planner or preparer or shopper for their households.

CONCLUSIONS

Some indicators of diet quality and diet-related factors differed between female adults with and without disabilities. Additional investigation of dietary intakes and behaviors, as well as access to and availability of healthy foods, among female adults with disabilities is necessary.

Engaging the disability community in informatics research: rationales and practical steps

As the informatics community grows in its ability to address health disparities, there is an opportunity to expand our impact by focusing on the disability community as a health disparity population. Although informaticians have primarily catered design efforts to one disability at a time, digital health technologies can be enhanced by approaching disability from a more holistic framework, simultaneously accounting for multiple forms of disability and the ways disability intersects with other forms of identity. The urgency of moving toward this more holistic approach is grounded in ethical, legal, and design-related rationales. Shaped by our research and advocacy with the disability community, we offer a set of guidelines for effective engagement. We argue that such engagement is critical to creating digital health technologies which more fully meet the needs of all disabled individuals.

Perinatal Health Risks And Outcomes Among US Women With Self-Reported Disability, 2011-19

Women with disabilities experience elevated risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Most studies have inferred disabilities from diagnosis codes, likely undercounting disabilities. We analyzed data, including self-reported disability status, from the National Survey of Family Growth for the period 2011-19. We compared respondents with and without disabilities on these characteristics: smoking during pregnancy, delayed prenatal care, preterm birth, and low birthweight. A total of 19.5 percent of respondents who had given birth reported a disability, which is a much higher prevalence than estimates reported in US studies using diagnosis codes. Respondents with disabilities were twice as likely as those without disabilities to have smoked during pregnancy (19.0 percent versus 8.9 percent). They also had 24 percent and 29 percent higher risk for preterm birth and low birthweight, respectively. Our findings suggest that studies using diagnosis codes may represent only a small proportion of pregnancies among people with disabilities. Measurement and analysis of self-reported disability would facilitate better understanding of the full extent of disability-related disparities, per the Affordable Care Act.

Severe maternal morbidity and other perinatal complications among women with physical, sensory, or intellectual and developmental disabilities

BACKGROUND

Little is known about severe maternal morbidity (SMM) among women with disabilities.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed differences in SMM and other perinatal complications by presence and type of disability. We hypothesised that SMM and other complications would be more common in births to women with disabilities than to women without disabilities.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of California births from 2000 to 2012, using birth and death certificate data linked with hospital discharge data. We included singleton deliveries with gestational age of 23-42 weeks. We classified women as having any disability or not and identified disability type (physical, hearing, vision, intellectual/developmental disabilities [IDD]). Our primary outcome was a composite indicator of SMM. Secondary outcomes included additional perinatal complications: gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, venous thromboembolism, chorioamnionitis, puerperal endometritis and mental health disorders complicating pregnancy, childbirth or the puerperium. We used modified Poisson regression to obtain covariate-adjusted relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of disability status and type with SMM and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 5,787,090 deliveries, 33,044 (0.6%) were to women with disabilities. Of these, 311 per 10,000 were complicated by SMM, compared with 84 per 10,000 deliveries to women without disabilities. In multivariable analyses, risk of SMM for births to women with disabilities was nearly three times that for women without disabilities (RR 2.84, 95% CI 2.67, 3.02). Proportion and risk of SMM were greatest for vision disability (793 per 10,000; RR 4.04, 95% CI 3.41, 4.78). Secondary outcomes were also more common among women with disabilities. In particular, more than a third of births to women with IDD (37.4%) were complicated by mental health disorders (versus 2.2% for women without disabilities).

CONCLUSION

As hypothesised, SMM and other perinatal complications were more common among women with disabilities than among women without disabilities.

Knowledge, attitudes, and health status of childbearing age young women regarding preconception health - an Italian survey

INTRODUCTION

Preconception health is a public health issue, concerning aspects that could have repercussions on pregnancy outcomes. Despite the importance, often there is a lack of knowledge, particularly among young women. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and health status of young women regarding preconception health in the Italian context.

METHODS

From July 2020 until April 2021 a validated questionnaire (systematic review, Delphi procedure and pilot study) was administered to a sample of 340 women aged 18 to 25 years, without previous pregnancy and not planning it, attending secondary grade schools and universities. It collected information on knowledge, physical, sexual and mental health. T-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine a significant difference in knowledge mean score (KMS) among different groups.

RESULTS

KMS was 67.6% (SD = 18.1). Participants with Italian nationality, enrolled in a health-field university, with a full-time job, a family income higher than 35,000 €/year and teachers or health providers as information source, had a significantly higher KMS. Only 15.9% of women who saw a gynaecologist in the last year (47.7%) asked about preconception health. 56.5% knew that folic acid is effective in reducing the risk of neural tube defects, while 5.9% was taking it. 82.3% was living in stressing environment. Gender-based discrimination at work, school or family was felt by 25.1%, while 38.2% experienced at least one type of violence.

CONCLUSIONS

Promoting preconception health by improving knowledge, attitudes and behaviours may be an impactful possibility to improve women's, children's, and communities' health.

"It Would Have Been Nice to Have a Choice": Barriers to Contraceptive Decision-making among Women with Disabilities

INTRODUCTION

Engaging in contraceptive decisions is an important part of reproductive health for women and other people with the capacity for pregnancy. However, not all individuals capable of pregnancy have equal access to information and/or opportunities to make fully informed decisions. The goal of this study was to understand barriers women with disabilities experience around contraceptive decision-making and whether these differ based on type of disability.

METHODS

We conducted focus groups with 17 reproductive age adult women (aged 18-45 years). Focus groups were homogenous with regard to disability type and consisted of one group for each of the following disability categories: 1) physical disability, 2) intellectual and developmental disabilities, 3) blind or low vision, and 4) Deaf users of American Sign Language. Data were collected in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area during 2016-2017. We analyzed focus group transcripts using content analysis.

RESULTS

Barriers to informed contraceptive decision-making emerged in five main thematic areas: 1) lack of information in accessible formats, 2) incomplete information about contraceptive side effects, 3) limited clinician knowledge and relevant research specific to the care of women with disabilities, 4) taboos around discussing sexual activity, and 5) limited opportunities for shared contraceptive decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with disabilities faced numerous barriers to contraceptive decision-making. Although the barriers differed somewhat by disability type, many barriers were consistent across groups, suggesting commonalities associated with the experience of disability in the context of contraceptive decision-making. Increased attention to the reproductive health needs of people with disabilities is important for improving health care equity and quality.

Preconception Health and Disability Status Among Women of Reproductive Age Participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018

Background: Preconception health is a critical determinant of health outcomes for women and their offspring. Given higher rates of prenatal and postpartum complications among women with disabilities, it is important to investigate a range of preconception health indicators in this population. Materials and Methods: Data were from women of reproductive age (18-44 years) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2018. Disability was self-reported as serious difficulty hearing, seeing, concentrating, walking, dressing, and/or running errands due to physical, mental, or emotional conditions. Preconception health indicators were adapted from those developed by the Core State Preconception Health Indicators Working Group. Multivariable Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals of preconception health indicators among women with disabilities compared with those without disabilities. Results: Of 4055 women, 601 (15%, weighted) reported having any disabilities, and of these women, 220 (6%) reported having 2 or more types of disabilities. Women with any disabilities were more likely to have suboptimal preconception health indicators compared with women without disabilities, including low education and household income, no recent dental visit, difficulty getting pregnant, current smoking, binge drinking, drug use, obesity, no multivitamin use, physical inactivity, long sleep durations, asthma, hypertension, and sexually transmitted infections (aPRs from 1.1 to 2.0). The greatest disparities between women with and without disabilities were for indicators of self-rated poor or fair general health, depression, and diabetes, with aPRs ranging from 2.4 to 3.8. Conclusions: Disparities in preconception health indicators are modifiable and may be addressed through adequate access to health care, interventions targeting lifestyle and health behaviors, and education and training for all health practitioners.