The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61197

Sarojini Kanotra, PhD, MPH, CHES¹, Denise D'Angelo, MPH², Wanda D. Barfield, MD, MPH², Tonji Durant, PhD³, and Amy Lansky, PhD². (1) Family Health Branch, Georgia Department of Human Resources, 2 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 10-222, Atlanta, GA 30303, 404-657-3154, kanotras@aol.com, (2) Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS K-22, Atlanta, GA 30341, (3) Maternal and Infant Health Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS K-23, Atlanta, GA 30341

OBJECTIVE: Qualitative data were used to explore health concerns and identify problems that new mothers may face in caring for their infants and themselves the first 2-6 months following delivery.

METHODS: We used free text comment data from 10 states, chosen based on data availability, which participated in the Pregnancy Risk Monitoring System (PRAMS) in 2000. PRAMS is an on-going population-based surveillance system that collects self-reported information on maternal behaviors before, during and after the birth of a live infant. Preliminary analysis included review of data to identify major themes. Subsequent analysis will include systematic coding and linking to survey data.

RESULTS: Major themes identified were: 1) perceived need for extended postpartum hospital stay, 2) lack of education about newborn care after discharge, 3) need for support and counseling for postpartum depression, 4) barriers to breastfeeding after returning to work, and 5) maternal insurance coverage beyond delivery.

CONCLUSION: The themes arising from free text comments indicate that mothers want additional follow-up and education in the early postpartum period following hospital discharge. Results can be used to 1) develop policy recommendations, and 2) design programs addressing continuity of postpartum care for women and infants.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about analyzing qualitative data
• Understand the potential health needs of women after delivery and within the first few months thereafter.
• Identify the specific issues that concern women after they are discharged from the hospital.

Keywords: Infant Health, Maternal Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.