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Understanding Predictors of Maternal and Child Health in Rural Western India: An International Prospective Study
Methods: The pilot longitudinal study will enroll 150 pregnant women between the ages of 18-45 and spans from first trimester of a pregnancy to six months post-partum and includes eight visits at a tertiary healthcare center in rural Western India. Participants receive clinical evaluations, ultrasound imaging studies, and serum biomarker measurements. Trained research coordinators manage their visits and conduct standardized interview surveys in the local language.
Results: Currently, 86 participants are enrolled, with enrollment projected to conclude in May 2014. To date, 53 participants reported a previous pregnancy, with only half (51.6%) resulting in a live childbirth. Of the participants, 76.7% were anemic (Hgb < 12g/dL) and 41.1% were Vitamin B12 deficient (< 120 pmol/L). Only one of the 17 participants who have completed their third trimester visit was aware of the government MCH program.
Conclusions: Preliminary evidence reveals important insight into the nutritional, psychosocial, and clinical problems affecting pregnancy in rural Western India. Additionally, our findings suggest lack of patient engagement in large government-operated MCH programs. Findings from the full data set will guide future interventions to be developed by ongoing cohorts of medical students in collaboration with academic partners and the existing local public health infrastructure.
Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health educationBiostatistics, economics
Diversity and culture
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Learning Objectives:
Identify predictors of maternal and child health in rural Western India
Define the prevalence of physical abnormalities, under-nutrition, and depression during pregnancy in rural western India
Discuss the role of validated tools for screening physical and mental health during pregnancy in low and middle income countries
Keyword(s): International MCH, Rural Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a second year MD/PhD student and a co-founder of Research and Health Advocacy in India (RAHI). Additionally, I am a co-investigator of the study "Understanding Predictors of Maternal and Child Health in Rural Western India." I have played a leading role in the research study design, implementation, and development of data analysis plan.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.