Optimizing Postpartum Care in Rural Communities: Insights from Women in Arizona and Implications for Policy

Abidemi Okechukwu; Priscilla Magrath; Halimatou Alaofe; Leslie V Farland; Ivo Abraham; David G Marrero; Martin Celaya; John Ehiri

doi:10.1007/s10995-023-03889-w

Optimizing Postpartum Care in Rural Communities: Insights from Women in Arizona and Implications for Policy

Matern Child Health J. 2024 Feb 17. doi: 10.1007/s10995-023-03889-w. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Abidemi Okechukwu¹, Priscilla Magrath², Halimatou Alaofe², Leslie V Farland², Ivo Abraham³, David G Marrero^{2

4}, Martin Celaya⁵, John Ehiri²

Affiliations

¹ Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245163, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA. aokechukwu@arizona.edu.
² Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245163, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA.
³ R. Ken Colt College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
⁴ University of Arizona Health Sciences (UAHS), Center for Health Disparities Research, Tucson, AZ, USA.
⁵ Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Women's and Children's Health, 150 North 18Th Avenue, Suite 320, Phoenix, AZ, 85007, USA.

PMID: 38367149
DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03889-w

Abstract

Objectives: Optimal postpartum care promotes healthcare utilization and outcomes. This qualitative study investigated the experiences and perceived needs for postpartum care among women in rural communities in Arizona, United States.

Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with thirty childbearing women and analyzed the transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis to gauge their experiences, needs, and factors affecting postpartum healthcare utilization.

Results: Experiences during childbirth and multiple structural factors, including transportation, childcare services, financial constraints, and social support, played crucial roles in postpartum care utilization for childbearing people in rural communities. Access to comprehensive health information and community-level support systems were perceived as critical for optimizing postpartum care and utilization.

Conclusions for practice: This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders in enhancing postpartum care services for individuals in rural communities in the United States.

Keywords: Postpartum; Rural; Social support; Structural determinants.