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

Abstract #66995

Janisse Jaque Maxwell, BS¹, A. Esther Suarez, BA¹, R. Patti Herring, PhD², Susanne B. Montgomery, PhD, MPH³, Siraj Mowjood, BA¹, Naluce Morris, BS¹, Heather Diaz, MPH¹, and Elizabeth Holzhauser, MPH CHES³. (1) School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909 558-8729, jjaque03p@sph.llu.edu, (2) School of Public Health, Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Room 1509, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (3) School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion and Education, Evaluation Research Unit, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Avenue, Loma Linda, CA 92350

Prenatal care is essential for safe deliveries and healthy pregnancy outcomes. While many mothers might be receiving some prenatal care, many others are not. Those who are fortunate to find free and low-cost clinics need additional information and guidance. In 2002, graduate students at Loma Linda University SPH began a service learning project to explore the specific needs of pregnant, Latino women at a local community based prenatal clinic in San Bernardino, CA. In order to best develop, implement and sustain a prenatal program specific for these mothers a needs assessment was first conducted. This consisted of windshield surveys, 18 key informant interviews, 2 focus groups, and secondary data and literature reviews. Results indicated that most of the women who receive prenatal care at the clinic are immigrants from Mexico, with little or no health insurance. Results indicated also that although these mothers were receiving basic prenatal care, they still desired more information and guidance as to which positive and negative behaviors they should engage in or refrain from during pregnancy. A culturally sensitive educational intervention include classes in nutrition, dealing with stress and depression, the importance of on-going pre- and postnatal care, developmental stages during pregnancy, after delivery care and planning for mothers and infants. We expect this program to not only increase the importance of pre- and postnatal care and improve pregnancy outcomes and healthier babies, but we hope to help build strong and on-going social support relationships within and outside participating families.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session the participant will be able to:
• discuss the special health educational needs of low-income immigrant pregnant mothers;
• discuss cultural and sensitive approaches for enhancing educational interventions among this population;
• discuss how this program could be adapted in other communities of need.

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.