Maternal Health Outcomes
The Maternal Health Network uses relevant data to inform the experience of families accessing maternal health services before, during, and after pregnancy.
The Maternal Health Network gathered data on and relevant to maternal and infant health indicators from a variety of sources and compiled into a Maternal and Infant Health Data Snapshot. The Snapshot provided rates of, and trends for, relevant health indicators for the state of California and San Bernardino County. When available and appropriate, national standard goals (primarily drawn from Healthy People 2020) and rates specific to African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and White subpopulations were included.
The Snapshot was shared with stakeholders during a Maternal Health Summit held March 29, 2019 in San Bernardino County. Participants were asked to join one of five workgroups (Prenatal & Postpartum Primary Care and Oral Health, Birthing Supports, Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse Prevention/Intervention/Treatment, Prenatal & Post-partum Wellness, and Priority Populations) to review data indicators most relevant their workgroup.
Social Determinants of Health
Fully appreciating the maternal health needs of families in San Bernardino County requires a fundamental understanding of the social determinants that impact overall health and well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define social determinants of health as the “circumstances in which people are born, grow up, live, work and age.” In addition, it includes the systems in place to offer healthcare and services to a community.
A brief summary of relevant social determinants of health is provided below.
Health and Healthcare
Healthcare coverage, provider availability, linguistic and cultural competence and quality of care all impact an individual’s overall health.
Education
Access to education to include K-12, higher education, and vocational training, impact an individual’s health throughout their lifespan.
Neighborhood and Environment
Access to housing, transportation, parks, playgrounds, and recreational activities can affect the health and wellness of communities. Crime and safety are also conditions that are considered within this determinant of health.
Society and Community Context
Social norms and attitudes (with a particular emphasis on discrimination and racism), systems of support, and community engagement all impact an individual’s health and well-being.
Economic Stability
Economic stability incorporates an individual’s ability to provide for their basic needs, purchase healthcare supports, and manage the stress of day to day life.
“Inequalities in people’s health are forged through the processes which maintain socio-economic inequalities in and across their lives.” While there may be many treatments available for a particular disease, not everyone with the same diagnosis will likely have the same access to treatment. Many factors may contribute to access to treatment, but the most prominent determinant of access to treatment is wealth. While a person’s income may not have a direct correlation to how healthy they are, links between poverty and health have long been established.
Retrieved on November 12, 2018 from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/