"Because the resources aren't there, then we fail. We fail as a society": A Qualitative Analysis of Human Trafficking Provider Perceptions of Child Welfare Involvement among Trafficked Mothers.

BACKGROUND: Little is understood about child welfare involvement (CWI) in cases where the birth mother has experienced human trafficking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore provider perceptions of the impact of CWI for the trafficked mother. METHODS: Participants were selected among providers caring for trafficked birth mothers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with providers and qualitative content analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Interviewees reported reasons for CWI, positive and negative impacts of CWI and provided recommendations for systems improvement. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: Recommendations from this exploratory study include mechanisms to support trafficked mothers, train hospital social workers, and systems change. During the prenatal period, strategies to support the trafficked mother may include addressing gaps in social determinants of health, ensuring appropriate medical and mental health care, early screening and referral to substance use treatment services, enhancing community support, and working to develop safety plans for survivors and their families. Enhanced engagement of social workers and all providers to improve understanding of the unique complexity of trafficked mothers is needed. Education should include an understanding that judgement of a caretaker's ability to parent should be current and holistic and not reflexive based on history in the electronic medical record. An exploration of the child welfare system itself should also be undertaken to identify and modify discriminatory laws and policies. Finally, efforts to address social determinants of health in the community and enhance the trauma-informed nature of child welfare referrals could improve the lives of trafficked mothers.

Examining 5-Year Cervical Cytology Progression Among Minority Women Living With HIV and Baseline Negative Cytology.

OBJECTIVE: Women living with HIV (WLWH) have increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, precancers, and invasive cervical cancers. This study aims to determine the rate of cervical cytologic progression and related factors in minority WLWH across 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used our HIV clinic database, complemented with a retrospective chart review to identify WLWH with a baseline negative cervical cytology between 2009 and 2012 and 5-year follow-up. Data included race/ethnicity, age, years living with HIV, AIDS status, viral load, history of smoking, drug use, and HPV status. Multivariate logistic regression tested progression of negative cytology to low-grade/high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LGSIL/HGSIL). RESULTS: Among 162 WLWH, 42% were African American, 30% non-Hispanic African Caribbean, and 26% Hispanic. At baseline, 21% had detectable viral load (>200 cp/mL), mean age was 44.8 (±11 years), and mean years living with HIV was 9.6 (±6.9). After 5 years, 19% of the cohort progressed to LGSIL/HGSIL. Human papillomavirus was detected consistently among women with cytologic changes (30% vs 7%, p < .01). Significant factors that predicted higher likelihood of progression to LGSIL/HGSIL were detection of HPV (adjusted odds ratios = 5.11 [1.31-19.93]; p = .02), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined AIDS status (adjusted odds ratios = 4.28 [1.04-17.63]; p = .04). Of the women who maintained negative cytology at 1 to 2 years (n = 102), 5 women (5%) progressed during the following 3 years before the recommended follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Human papillomavirus detection and AIDS status were significant factors predicting progression to LGSIL/HGSIL among minority WLWH. Providers screening WLWH for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia should carefully decide screening intervals for minority populations.

Low Perceived Anal Cancer Risk and Screening Utilization Among High-Risk Transgender Men and Women Living in an HIV / STI Epicenter.

Although risk behaviors could place transgender people at increased risk of anal cancer, few studies have examined anal cancer knowledge and screening use among this population. This study assessed knowledge of anal cancer and associated screening tools, self-perceived risk for anal cancer, and willingness to undergo anal cytology testing among transgender persons in an HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI)-dense region. Adult transgender persons were recruited locally and surveyed electronically. Descriptive statistics, student's t tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's chi-squared test were performed. Among 79 transgender persons, identified anal cancer risk factors included smoking, STI history, anoreceptive intercourse, and inconsistent condom use. Nearly half (43%) reported little to no knowledge of anal cancer. The vast majority (82%) had little to no perceived risk of developing anal cancer. Twenty-eight percent had heard of anal cytology, and few (17%) had undergone it. Despite susceptibility, transgender persons lack knowledge and have a low perception of personal risk of anal cancer, highlighting the need to increase awareness of anal cancer, risk factors, and screening methods among this population.

Pre-pregnancy Health Behaviors and Gestational Weight Gain Among Hispanic/Latino Women: Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between preconception diet quality, sedentary behavior, and physical activity with gestational weight gain (GWG) among Hispanic/Latina women. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of participants from visits 1 and 2 of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and singleton pregnancies between the 2 visits. Diet quality (alternative healthy eating index/AHEI-2010), sedentary behaviors, and physical activity (global physical activity questionnaire) were measured at visit 1 and accounted for preconception health behaviors. GWG was evaluated as a continuous and categorical variable according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines (inadequate, adequate, excessive). Linear and generalized logit survey regressions were used to study the association between health behaviors and GWG, using adequate GWG as the reference. RESULTS: Of the 457 women included, deliveries occurred at 3.2 years (mean) from visit 1; 48.7% of women had excessive GWG. Mean AHEI-2010 scores were < 45% for women of all Hispanic/Latina backgrounds. There was no association between each 10-unit increase in AHEI-2010 or a 500 kcal/day increase in energy intake for mean and categorical GWG. There was no association between 30 min/day higher sedentary behavior, 30 min/day higher physical activity, or meeting the 2008 US physical activity guidelines for mean and categorical GWG. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find any association between diet quality, sedentary behavior, and physical activity at visit 1 with GWG in pregnancies occurring between visits 1 and 2. We noted widespread poor diet quality as measured by the AHEI-2010 and low levels of physical activity among Hispanic/Latina women.

HIV Screening During Pregnancy in a U.S. HIV Epicenter.

Background: The CDC and ACOG have issued guidelines for HIV screening in pregnancy for patients living in areas with high prevalence of HIV in order to minimize perinatal vertical transmission. There is a lack of data examining providers' compliance with these guidelines in at-risk patient populations in the United States. Objective: To evaluate if HIV screening in pregnant women was performed according to guidelines at a large, urban, tertiary care medical center in South Florida. Study Design. A retrospective review was performed on 1270 prenatal and intrapartum records from women who delivered a live infant in 2015 at a single institution. Demographic and outcome data were chart abstracted and analyzed using arithmetic means and standard deviations. Results: Of the 1270 patients who met inclusion criteria, 1090 patients initiated prenatal care in the first or second trimester and delivered in the third trimester. 1000 (91.7%) patients were screened in the first or second trimester; however, only 822 (82.2%) of these were retested in the third trimester during prenatal care. Among the 178 patients lacking a third trimester test, 159 (89.3%) received rapid HIV testing upon admission for delivery. Of the 1090 patients who initiated prenatal care in the first or second trimester and delivered in the third trimester, 982 (90.1%) were screened in accordance with recommended guidelines. Of the 1270 patients initiating care in any trimester, 24 (1.9%) had no documented prenatal HIV test during prenatal care, however 22 (91.7%) had a rapid HIV test on admission for delivery. Two (0.16%) patients were not tested prenatally or prior to delivery. Conclusion: Despite 99.8% of women having at least one HIV screening test during pregnancy, there is room for improvement in routine prenatal screening in both early pregnancy and third trimester prior to onset of labor in this high-risk population.

Gestational diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors and disease in U.S. Hispanics/Latinas in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

To compare cardiovascular risk and disease prevalence in U.S. Hispanics/Latinas with and without a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Cross-sectional data from 2008 to 2011 were analyzed for 8,262 (305 with GDM history) parous women, aged 20-73 years, from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Women with and without a history of GDM were compared on sociodemographic, cardiovascular risk factor, and disease data from standardized interviews and fasting blood tests, using chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regressions to determine odds ratios (ORs) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CIs). Adjusting for covariates, compared to those without a history of GDM, women with a history of GDM were younger (M = 39.1 years [95 percent CI = 37.8, 41.6] vs. 45.5 years [95 percent CI = 44.9, 46.1]) and more likely to have health insurance (68.1 percent [95 percent CI = 60.3 percent, 76.0 percent] vs. 54.9 percent [95 percent CI = 52.8 percent, 57.1 percent]), had greater waist circumference (M = 102.3 cm, [95 percent CI = 100.2, 104.3] vs. 98.1 cm [95 percent CI = 97.4, 98.5]) and higher fasting glucose (116.0 mg/dL [95 percent CI = 107.8, 124.3] vs. 104.2 mg/dL [95 percent CI = 103.4, 105.1]), and had higher odds of having metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.7 [95 percent CI = 1.2, 2.6]) or diabetes (OR = 3.3 [95 percent CI = 2.2, 4.8]). Prevalences of heart and cerebrovascular disease were similar. GDM history was positively associated with diabetes but not with cardiovascular disease.

Risk Factors for Anal Dysplasia in Transgender Women: A Retrospective Chart Review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess risk factors for anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and anal dysplasia among a cohort of transgender women (TGW). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted based on electronic medical records of TGW patients seen in the University of Miami Health System between 2010 and 2016. Outcome measures included risk factors of anal dysplasia, including HIV infection, receptive anal intercourse, and smoking history. Descriptive statistical analysis and χ testing were used. RESULTS: Sixty-nine TGW patients' charts were reviewed. Patients' ages ranged from 18 to 72 (mean = 38 [15]). Twenty-two (30%) were older than 50 years; 10 (15%) were black/African descent; 20 (29%) reported a smoking history; 6 (9%) were HIV positive, and 28 (72%) among those with known partner preference (n = 39) reported male partners. Male partner preference was significantly associated with being black/African descent (p = .009) and being single (p = .048). Older age was significantly associated with HIV-positive status (p = .023). The average number of risk factors per person was 2.10 (0.97). Sixty-one years or older had the highest average number of risk factors (2.90 [0.88]). CONCLUSIONS: Because rates of HIV, dangerous sexual behaviors, and other risk factors for anal dysplasia continue to persist among TGW, this study reinforces the need to increase the focus on anal health in the care of TGW and the need for further research to guide patient care and anal dysplasia screening strategies among those individuals.

Behaviorally and perinatally HIV-infected young women: targets for preconception counseling.

This study aimed to describe demographic and psychological characteristics among HIV-infected young women, and to identify knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with conception, with the goal of informing interventions or programmatic decisions regarding preconception counseling methods for young women living with HIV. Behaviorally and perinatally HIV-infected young women (n = 34) were conveniently sampled in Miami, Florida. Participants were asked to complete measures of reproductive knowledge, attitudes toward conception, and risk behaviors, as well as measures of depression and cognitive functioning. Perinatally and behaviorally HIV-infected young women were very similar in important areas of health preconception practices such as conception-related health literacy and conception-related communication with providers. Behaviorally infected women, however, were somewhat more likely to have been pregnant in the past, and had greater knowledge of healthy contraception practices and family planning. Despite the difference among groups, both the perinatally and behaviorally acquired women demonstrated having adequate overall knowledge. Depression was higher and consistent with moderate depression among the behaviorally HIV-infected women in comparison to perinatally infected women. This study found that that despite adequate reproductive knowledge, most young HIV-infected women were not using contraception. Given the consequences of presentation of advanced HIV during pregnancy, the need for both treatment adherence and preconception counseling is essential. Results suggest that interventions or programmatic decisions regarding preconception counseling methods for young women living with HIV are necessary and potentially transferrable between populations.

"You Need to Be a Good Listener": Recruiters' Use of Relational Communication Behaviors to Enhance Clinical Trial and Research Study Accrual.

Medical and research professionals who discuss clinical trials and research studies with potential participants face an often daunting challenge, particularly when recruiting from minority and underserved populations. This study reports on findings from a focus group study of 63 research coordinators, study nurses, professional recruiters, and other professionals in Indianapolis, IN and Miami, FL who work to recruit from minority and underserved populations. These professionals discussed the importance of creating a sense of connection with potential participants as part of the recruitment and retention process. Building a relationship, however fleeting, involved a number of concrete behaviors, including listening to personal information, expressing empathy, and then providing reciprocal self-disclosures; having repeated contact, usually by working in the same environment over an extended period of time; demonstrating respect through politeness and the use of honorifics; going the extra mile for participants; offering flexibility in scheduling follow-up appointments; and creating a sense of personal and community trust by being truthful. The implications of these findings for clinical trial and research study accrual are discussed.

The Role of Nonverbal Communication Behaviors in Clinical Trial and Research Study Recruitment.

Few studies have examined the communication behaviors of those who recruit for clinical trials and research studies, particularly of nonmedical professionals who often do the bulk of recruiting. This focus-group study of 63 recruiters analyzes the ways in which nonverbal communication behaviors support the process of recruitment, using the lens of communication accommodation theory. Results indicate that recruiters first "read" potential study participants' nonverbal communication for clues about their state of mind, then use nonverbal communication to achieve a sense of convergence. Specific nonverbal communication behaviors were discussed by recruiters, including smiling, variations in the use of voice, adjusting body position, the appropriate use of physical touch, the management of eye contact, and the effect of clothing and physical appearance. Implications for recruitment practice are discussed.

Women Living with HIV over Age of 65: Cervical Cancer Screening in a Unique and Growing Population.

OBJECTIVE: Women living with HIV are at increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can lead to cervical cancer. New guidelines recommend indefinite screening. The objective of this study is to describe cervical cancer screening practices and colposcopy results in a cohort of women living with HIV over age of 65 who were followed before the new guidelines. Comorbidities, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other risk factors were evaluated. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review on 75 women aged 65 or older living with HIV with at least one Pap smear. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 66.5 and at HIV diagnosis was 56. The majority of women were immunocompetent. 80% had serial Pap smears. Of these, 86% of 238 were negative or ASCUS. No women progressed to HSIL. 92% of colposcopies had negative or CIN I results. Three women were treated successfully for high-grade dysplasia. More than half of women had other STIs. 72% were screened for HPV; 50% were positive. CONCLUSION: The majority of women had negative and low-grade Pap smears. Questions remain regarding the utility of continued Pap screening and the added value of HPV testing in this unique population of older women living with HIV.

Integrase inhibitors in late pregnancy and rapid HIV viral load reduction.

BACKGROUND: Minimizing time to HIV viral suppression is critical in pregnancy. Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), like raltegravir, are known to rapidly suppress plasma HIV RNA in nonpregnant adults. There are limited data in pregnant women. OBJECTIVE: We describe time to clinically relevant reduction in HIV RNA in pregnant women using INSTI-containing and non-INSTI-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) options. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of pregnant HIV-infected women in the United States from 2009 through 2015. We included women who initiated ART, intensified their regimen, or switched to a new regimen due to detectable viremia (HIV RNA >40 copies/mL) at ≥20 weeks gestation. Among women with a baseline HIV RNA permitting 1-log reduction, we estimated time to 1-log RNA reduction using the Kaplan-Meier estimator comparing women starting/adding an INSTI in their regimen vs other ART. To compare groups with similar follow-up time, we also conducted a subgroup analysis limited to women with ≤14 days between baseline and follow-up RNA data. RESULTS: This study describes 101 HIV-infected pregnant women from 11 US clinics. In all, 75% (76/101) of women were not taking ART at baseline; 24 were taking non-INSTI containing ART, and 1 received zidovudine monotherapy. In all, 39% (39/101) of women started an INSTI-containing regimen or added an INSTI to their ART regimen. Among 90 women with a baseline HIV RNA permitting 1-log reduction, the median time to 1-log RNA reduction was 8 days (interquartile range [IQR], 7-14) in the INSTI group vs 35 days (IQR, 20-53) in the non-INSTI ART group (P < .01). In a subgroup of 39 women with first and last RNA measurements ≤14 days apart, median time to 1-log reduction was 7 days (IQR, 6-10) in the INSTI group vs 11 days (IQR, 10-14) in the non-INSTI group (P < .01). CONCLUSION: ART that includes INSTIs appears to induce more rapid viral suppression than other ART regimens in pregnancy. Inclusion of an INSTI may play a role in optimal reduction of HIV RNA for HIV-infected pregnant women presenting late to care or failing initial therapy. Larger studies are urgently needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of this approach.

Providers' perspectives on preconception counseling and safer conception for HIV-infected women.

INTRODUCTION: Unplanned pregnancy among HIV-infected women can have negative health consequences for women, partners, and neonates. Despite recommendations, preconception counseling (PCC) appears to be infrequently addressed in HIV care. This study explored knowledge, attitudes, and practices among health-care providers regarding PCC, safer conception and pregnancy among HIV-infected women. METHODS: Physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners (n = 14) providing obstetric/gynecological and HIV care in urban south Florida public and private hospitals completed structured qualitative interviews. Dominant themes arising included provider perceptions of patient knowledge and practices, provider knowledge and attitudes regarding safer conception, and provider practices regarding reproductive health. RESULTS: Providers perceived patients to have limited reproductive knowledge. Patients' internalized HIV stigma was a barrier to patient initiation of conception-focused discussions. Provider knowledge and utilization of PCC protocols were limited. PCC barriers included competing medical priorities, failure to address fertility desires, limited knowledge, time limitations, and unclear standard of care. Providers routinely used condom-based HIV prevention as a proxy for addressing reproductive intentions. DISCUSSION: Provider, patient, and structural factors prevented implementation of PCC and provision of information on safer conception; neither were routinely discussed during consultations. Both providers and patients may benefit from interventions to enhance communication on conception.

Clinical Trial and Research Study Recruiters' Verbal Communication Behaviors.

The lack of accrual to research studies and clinical trials is a persistent problem with serious consequences: Advances in medical science depend on the participation of large numbers of people, including members of minority and underserved populations. The current study examines a critical determinant of accrual: the approach of patients by professional recruiters who request participation in research studies and clinical trials. Findings indicate that recruiters use a number of verbal strategies in the communication process, including translating study information (such as simplifying, using examples, and substituting specific difficult or problematic words), using linguistic reframing or metaphors, balancing discussions of research participation risks with benefits, and encouraging potential participants to ask questions. The identification of these verbal strategies can form the basis of new communication protocols that will help medical and nonmedical professionals communicate more clearly and effectively with patients and other potential participants about research studies and clinical trials, which should lead to increased accrual in the future.

Knowledge and Acceptability of Anal Cytology Screening Among Women.

OBJECTIVE: Medical providers have initiated anal cytology screening among women to detect anal neoplasia early. Lack of knowledge of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and anticipated screening discomfort may limit patient acceptance. This study investigates attitudes toward anal cytology screening among women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women seen for gynecologic care at an urban university medical center were invited to complete an anonymous survey assessing their understanding of HPV and interest in anal cytology screening. Subjects reported the level of pain, discomfort, and embarrassment they expected from screening on a 100-mm visual analog scale. RESULTS: Four hundred four women with mean (SD) age 36 (13) years met criteria for participation. Three hundred thirty-five women reported their race: 52% were white and 36% were African American. Three hundred forty-eight women reported their ethnicities: 76% were Hispanic and 12% were Haitian. Twenty-two percent had never heard of HPV, 57% were not familiar with anal cytology screening, 67% acknowledged that screening was very helpful in detecting anal neoplasia early, and 28% were very interested in undergoing screening. Mean (SD) level of anticipated pain, discomfort, and embarrassment during screening was 62 (32), 68 (30), and 58 (34) mm, respectively. Level of familiarity with anal cytology screening (p < .001), belief in its utility in detecting anal neoplasia (p < .001), and level of anticipated pain (p = .004) were significant predictors of acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: Medical providers should improve counseling about anal cytology screening among at-risk women to familiarize them with the procedure, describe its role in detecting anal neoplasia, and address expectations surrounding pain to increase its acceptability.

Perspectives on safer conception practices and preconception counseling among women living with HIV.

Pregnancies are frequently unplanned, and higher rates of unplanned pregnancies occur among HIV-infected women. Reviewers examined reproductive decision making, conception practices, and patient-provider communication among women living with HIV. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 HIV-infected sexually active women aged 18-45 in southern Florida, USA. Using thematic analysis, we found decisions to conceive were influenced by women and partners; knowledge and use of safer conception practices were low. Discussion and support from partners, family, and providers was limited and diminished by stigma and nondisclosure. Preconception counseling discussions in HIV care should be comprehensive and initiated frequently by all health care providers.

Bridging the gaps between the histopathological and demographic risk factors of preterm birth in a unique Miami inner-city population.

We aim to identify the link between placental histological findings and obstetric reports to determine possible risk factors of spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). We prospectively ascertained birth records and outcomes from all deliveries in our hospital in 1 year. Records were used to determine and stratify for either full-term or preterm [spontaneous or indicated (I)] deliveries. We analyzed for risk factor association using χ(2) tests and common odds ratio estimates (SPSS v21.0). Our cohort totaled 6088 deliveries: 236 IPTB, 43 SPTB, and 5809 term births. Largely Hispanic, we determined race, parity, prenatal care access, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and BMI to be highly associated with SPTB (p < 0.01). Histologically, placentas of women with SPTB were twice as likely to have chronic villitis. We found that chronic villitis is associated with SPTB. Results of this study can be used in increasing the understanding of SPTB.

Social determinants of health and vaccine uptake in pregnancy: Disparities in a diverse, predominately foreign-born population.

OBJECTIVE: To identify discrepancies in influenza, Tdap, and COVID-19 vaccine uptake and offer rates among pregnant individuals across various social determinants of health including race, ethnicity, foreign-born status, education level, and health insurance coverage, highlighting potential interventions to improve vaccine uptake in pregnancy. METHODS: An IRB-approved cross-sectional survey was conducted on the postpartum floor of a large urban hospital in South Florida. Between July to September 2021, 359 participants consented and answered questions on their demographics, social background, and influenza, Tdap, and COVID-19 vaccine history. RESULTS: Most participants identified as White (67.7 %), Hispanic (67.4 %), and foreign-born (68.5 %) with an average age of 29.7 ± 6 years. There was a significant difference in mean vaccine between White (1.3) and Black individuals (0.9, p = 0.002). Mean uptake was significantly higher in foreign-born individuals (1.3) compared to US-born (0.9, p < 0.001). Mean uptake was significantly higher for those with graduate (1.7) and college (1.4) degrees compared to those with a high school degree (1.0) or less than high school (1.0, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Significant differences in the uptake and offer rates of influenza, Tdap, and COVID-19 vaccines were observed across a variety of social determinants including educational attainment, employment, insurance, and median income of the zip code of primary residence.

Evaluating the Impact of Heat Stress on Placental Function: A Systematic Review.

Ambient heat stress poses a significant threat to public health, with rising temperatures exacerbating the risks associated with pregnancy. This systematic review examined the associations between heat stress exposure and placental function, synthesizing methodologies from the existing literature to inform future research approaches. Analyzing 24 articles, it explores various study designs, temperature exposure parameters, pregnancy windows, and placental outcome variables. Findings across human and animal studies reveal diverse effects on placental weight, efficiency, blood flow, anatomy, gene expression, and steroid levels under heat stress conditions. While animal studies primarily utilize randomized controlled trials, human research relies on observational methodologies due to ethical constraints. Both demonstrate alterations in placental morphology and function, underscoring the importance of understanding these changes for maternal and fetal health. The review underscores the urgent need for further research, particularly in human populations, to elucidate mechanisms and develop interventions mitigating heat stress's adverse effects on placental health. Ultimately, this synthesis contributes to understanding the complex interplay between environmental factors and pregnancy outcomes, informing strategies for maternal and fetal well-being amidst climate change challenges.

Adverse Birth Outcomes and Maternal Morbidity Among Afro-Latinas and Their Infants: A Systematic Literature Review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and synthesize research findings on adverse birth outcomes and maternal morbidity among Afro-Latinas and their infants. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted within PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Four thousand five hundred twenty-six published peer-reviewed articles from 1970 to 2023 that reported outcomes related to maternal morbidity and/or birth outcomes were screened. After screening, we assessed 22 for eligibility, and ultimately, seven studies were included for data extraction and analysis. RESULTS: Although limited, the existing studies revealed disparities in abnormal birth weight (LBW & SGA) and higher preterm birth prevalence among Afro-Latinas compared to other racial and ethnic peers. These disparities are also prevalent among U.S.-born Afro-Latinas compared to foreign-born Afro-Latinas. CONCLUSIONS: By critically examining the current empirical evidence, we can gain a deeper understanding of how intersectionality impacts perinatal health outcomes among Afro-Latinas. Understanding the root causes of these outcomes through increased research is critical to preventing and reducing poor maternal and child health among Afro-Latinas, particularly those who are U.S.-born.