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Wallace LS, Okito O, Mellin K, Soghier L. Associations between Parental Engagement in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neighborhood-Level Socioeconomic Status. Am J Perinatol 2024. [PMID: 38701858 DOI: 10.1055/a-2318-5942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) determine the effect of neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (SES), which considers the social and physical environment where a person lives, on parental engagement in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and (2) compare the relationships between parental engagement and individual versus neighborhood-level measures of SES. STUDY DESIGN In this cohort study, parents (n = 45) of premature neonates ≤34 weeks' gestation were assessed at 2 and 6 weeks after birth from December 2017 to October 2019. Neighborhood-level SES was determined using census data per the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs' methodology, and parents self-reported their education level as an individual-level measure of SES. Data on frequency of engagement in NICU activities, including telephone updates, visitation, providing expressed breastmilk, and participating in kangaroo care, were collected from the electronic medical record. Parent psychosocial factors were assessed using validated surveys. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test, t-test, and logistic regression. RESULTS In multivariate regression analysis, disadvantaged neighborhood-level SES was associated with decreased odds of kangaroo care (OR = 0.16, 95% CI: [0.03-0.89]) and visitation (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: [0.02-0.87]), while lower individual-level SES was not significantly associated with kangaroo care, visiting, calling, or pumping (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Parental engagement was more consistently and significantly associated with neighborhood-level SES than with individual-level SES. Therefore, neighborhood-level SES measures may be more explanatory than individual-level SES measures. Further studies and targeted interventions are needed to address disparities in the frequency of kangaroo care and visitation according to SES. KEY POINTS · Parents from disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to do kangaroo care and visit the NICU.. · Parent engagement was more significantly associated with neighborhood than with parent education.. · Neighborhood-level SES measures may be more explanatory than individual-level SES measures.. · Interventions are needed to address SES-related disparities in NICU kangaroo care and visitation..
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Wallace
- Division of Neonatology, ChristianaCare, Newark, Delaware
| | - Ololade Okito
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey
| | - Kelsi Mellin
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lamia Soghier
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
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LaManna S, Hatfield B, McCann E. Considering the Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Parent Feeding Practices: A Case Example. Adv Neonatal Care 2024; 24:110-118. [PMID: 38241685 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. SDOH can be grouped into 5 domains: economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. SDOH impact people's health and quality of life but may also contribute to disparities in access to food, education, and healthcare. SDOH uniquely influence parent feeding practices in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in a variety of ways, ranging from logistical considerations for parent visitation to cultural beliefs such as family perception of human milk feeding. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A hypothetical case example of a preterm infant with a feeding disorder in the NICU is used to connect SDOH that influence prenatal health, parental lived experience, and postnatal medical care to maternal and infant outcomes with implications for feeding practices. Barriers and facilitators to successful feeding practices in the NICU and at discharge are considered for each SDOH domain. RESULTS This case example increases awareness of SDOH and how they influence parent feeding practices in the NICU, focusing on the intersection of SDOH, parent stress, and oral feeding outcomes. Examples were provided for how to support applying findings into practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH By being creating a culture of SDOH awareness, NICU staff can assist families in overcoming barriers by putting supports in place to increase equitable participation in developmentally supportive feeding practices during the NICU stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie LaManna
- Author Affiliation: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Rockville, Maryland (Mss LaManna and Hatfield); and Independent Researcher, Voorhees, New Jersey (Ms McCann)
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Harris LM, Shabanova V, Martinez-Brockman JL, Leverette D, Dioneda B, Parker MG, Taylor SN. Parent and grandparent neonatal intensive care unit visitation for preterm infants. J Perinatol 2024; 44:419-427. [PMID: 37573462 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01745-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Characterize family NICU visitation and examine associations with maternal health and social factors and infant health outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of 167 infants born ≤32 weeks at two urban NICUs 01/2019-03/2020. Average nurse-documented family member visitation and associations of visitation with maternal and infant factors and outcomes were compared. RESULTS Mothers visited 4.4 days/week, fathers 2.6 days/week, and grandparents 0.4 days/week. Older maternal age, nulliparity, and non-English primary language were associated with more frequent family visitation. Mothers with depression or anxiety history visited less. Maternal depression and public insurance were associated with fewer father visits. Low parental visitation was associated with lower odds of feeding any maternal milk at discharge and low maternal visitation with 11.5% fewer completed infant subspecialty appointments in the year following discharge (95% CI -20.0%, -3.0%). CONCLUSION Families with social disadvantage visited less often. Parental visitation was associated with infant feeding and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie M Harris
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Desiree Leverette
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brittney Dioneda
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Margaret G Parker
- University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sarah N Taylor
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, New Haven, CT, USA.
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MCCONNELL MARGARET, AGARWAL SUMIT, HANSON ERIKA, MCCRADY ERIN, PARKER MARGARETG, BONA KIRA. Prescription for Cash? Cash Support to Low-Income Families in Maternal and Pediatric Health Care Settings. Milbank Q 2024; 102:64-82. [PMID: 37994263 PMCID: PMC10938935 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Pregnancy and childhood are periods of heightened economic vulnerability, but current policies for addressing health-related social needs, including screening and referral programs, may be insufficient because of persistent gaps, incomplete follow-up, administrative burden, and limited take-up. To bridge gaps in the social safety net, direct provision of cash transfers to low-income families experiencing health challenges during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood could provide families with the flexibility and support to enable caregiving, increase access to health care, and improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - ERIKA HANSON
- Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation, Harvard Law School
| | - ERIN MCCRADY
- Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation, Harvard Law School
| | - MARGARET G. PARKER
- Child Health Equity CenterUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
| | - KIRA BONA
- Harvard Medical School
- Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute
- Boston Children's Hospital
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Bourque SL, Williams VN, Scott J, Hwang SS. The Role of Distance from Home to Hospital on Parental Experience in the NICU: A Qualitative Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1576. [PMID: 37761537 PMCID: PMC10529472 DOI: 10.3390/children10091576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged admission to the neonatal intensive care unit presents challenges for families, especially those displaced far from home. Understanding specific barriers to parental engagement in the NICU is key to addressing these challenges with hospital-based interventions. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of distance from home to hospital on the engagement of parents of very preterm infants (VPT) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We used a grounded theory approach and conducted 13 qualitative interviews with parents of VPT who were admitted ≥14 days and resided ≥50 miles away using a semi-structured interview guide informed by the socio-ecological framework. We used constant comparative method with double coders for theme emergence. Our results highlight a multitude of facilitators and barriers to engagement. Facilitators included: (1) individual-delivery preparedness and social support; (2) environmental-medical team relationships; and (3) societal-access to perinatal care. Barriers included: (1) individual-transfer stressors, medical needs, mental health, and dependents; (2) environmental-NICU space, communication, and lack of technology; and (3) societal-lack of paid leave. NICU parents with geographic separation from home experienced a multitude of barriers to engagement, many of which could be addressed by hospital-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Bourque
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.S.); (S.S.H.)
| | - Venice N. Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Prevention Research Center for Family & Child Health, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Jessica Scott
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.S.); (S.S.H.)
| | - Sunah S. Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.S.); (S.S.H.)
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Hwang SS, Bourque SL, Hannan KE, Passarella M, Radack J, Formanowski B, Lorch SA. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Among US Infants Born Preterm. J Pediatr 2023; 260:113498. [PMID: 37211205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate among US infants born at <37 weeks gestation (a) racial and ethnic disparities in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and (b) state variation in SUID rates and non-Hispanic Black (NHB)-non-Hispanic White (NHW) SUID disparity ratio. METHODS In this retrospective cohort analysis of linked birth and death certificates from 50 states from 2005 to 2014, SUID was defined by the following International Classification of Diseases, 9th or 10th edition, codes listed on death certificates: (7980, R95 or Recode 135; ASSB: E913, W75 or Recode 146; Unknown: 7999 R99 or Recode 134). Multivariable models were used to assess the independent association between maternal race and ethnicity and SUID, adjusting for several maternal and infant characteristics. The NHB-NHW SUID disparity ratios were calculated for each state. RESULTS Among 4 086 504 preterm infants born during the study period, 8096 infants (0.2% or 2.0 per 1000 live births) experienced SUID. State variation in SUID ranged from the lowest rate of 0.82 per 1000 live births in Vermont to the highest rate of 3.87 per 1000 live births in Mississippi. Unadjusted SUID rates across racial and ethnic groups varied from 0.69 (Asian/Pacific Islander) to 3.51 (NHB) per 1000 live births. In the adjusted analysis, compared with NHW infants, NHB and Alaska Native/American Indian preterm infants had greater odds of SUID (aOR, 1.5;[95% CI, 1.42-1.59] and aOR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.21-1.72]) with varying magnitude of SUID rates and NHB-NHW disparities across states. CONCLUSIONS Significant racial and ethnic disparities in SUID among preterm infants exist with variation across US states. Additional research to identify the drivers of these disparities within and across states is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunah S Hwang
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
| | - Stephanie L Bourque
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Kathleen E Hannan
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Molly Passarella
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Joshua Radack
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Brielle Formanowski
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Scott A Lorch
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Hwang SS, Weikel BW, Palau MA, Greenfield JC, Klawetter S, Neu M, Roybal KL, Scott J, Shah P, Bourque SL. NICU Visitation Time and Adherence to Safe Sleep Practices Among Mothers of Very Preterm Infants. Adv Neonatal Care 2023; 23:365-376. [PMID: 37036938 PMCID: PMC10524197 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep-associated infant death is the leading cause of postneonatal mortality in the United States. Preterm infants are at higher risk for sleep-associated death, but maternal adherence to safe sleep practices is lower than for mothers of full-term infants. Data are lacking on whether maternal neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) visitation time impacts safe sleep compliance after hospital discharge. PURPOSE For mothers of preterm infants, to investigate the association of time days per week spent in the NICU and adherence to safe sleep practices after discharge. METHODS A prospective observational study of 109 mothers with infants born at less than 32 weeks from 4 Colorado NICUs who completed a survey at 6 weeks after discharge about infant sleep practices. Maternal time spent in the NICU was defined as the average number of days spent in the NICU per week of infant hospitalization, as documented in the electronic medical record. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed the relationship between time in the NICU and safe sleep adherence. Covariates included maternal/infant characteristics significant at P < .2 level in bivariate analysis. RESULTS Predictors of compliance with all safe infant sleep practices included public/no insurance compared with private insurance (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.96), some college/associate-level education versus bachelor's degree (AOR 5.88; 95% CI 1.21-28.67), and depression/anxiety symptoms (AOR 0.37; 95% CI 0.14-0.97). NICU visitation days was not associated with adherence to safe sleep practices. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH Maternal visitation days was not associated with adherence to safe infant sleep practices after discharge, highlighting the need to identify barriers and facilitators to engaging families about SUID risk-reducing behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunah S Hwang
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora (Drs Hwang, Palau, and Bourque and Mss Weikel and Scott); Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado (Dr Greenfield and Mss Roybal and Shah); School of Social Work, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon (Dr Klawetter); and College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Aurora (Dr Neu)
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Menda N, Edwards E. Measuring Equity for Quality Improvement. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:531-543. [PMID: 37201995 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Applying an equity lens to quality improvement (QI) by collecting, reviewing, and using data that measure health disparities helps identify whether QI interventions improve outcomes evenly and equally across the population or have a greater impact in an advantaged or disadvantaged group. Methodological issues inherent in measuring disparities include appropriately selecting data sources; ensuring reliability and validity of equity data; choosing a suitable comparison group; and understanding between-group variation. The integration and utilization of QI techniques to promote equity is dependent on meaningful measurement to develop targeted interventions and provide a means of ongoing real-time assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Menda
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, 202 South Park Street, McConnell Hall, 4th Floor, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
| | - Erika Edwards
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, VT 05401, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner, MD, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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Profit J, Edwards EM, Pursley D. Getting to health equity in NICU care in the USA and beyond. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2022:archdischild-2021-323533. [PMID: 36379698 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-323533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Differences in race/ethnicity, gender, income and other social factors have long been associated with disparities in health, illness and premature death. Although the terms 'health differences' and 'health disparities' are often used interchangeably, health disparities has recently been reserved to describe worse health in socially disadvantaged populations, particularly members of disadvantaged racial/ethnic groups and the poor within a racial/ethnic group. Infants receiving disparate care based on race/ethnicity, immigration status, language proficiency, or social class may be discomforting to healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to care for these patients. Recent literature, however, has documented differences in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care quality that have contributed to racial and ethnic differences in mortality and significant morbidity. We examine the within-NICU and between-NICU mechanisms of disparate care and recommend approaches to address these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Profit
- Perinatal Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA .,California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Erika M Edwards
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner MD College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - DeWayne Pursley
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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