Integrating the Built and Social Environment into Health Assessments for Maternal and Child Health: Creating a Planning-Friendly Index

Xi Wang; Jennifer Whittaker; Katherine Kellom; Stephanie Garcia; Deanna Marshall; Tara Dechert; Meredith Matone

doi:10.3390/ijerph17249224

Integrating the Built and Social Environment into Health Assessments for Maternal and Child Health: Creating a Planning-Friendly Index

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 10;17(24):9224. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17249224.

Authors

Xi Wang¹, Jennifer Whittaker¹, Katherine Kellom¹, Stephanie Garcia¹, Deanna Marshall¹, Tara Dechert¹, Meredith Matone¹

Affiliation

¹ PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA.

Abstract

Environmental and community context earliest in the life course have a profound effect on life-long health outcomes. Yet, standard needs assessments for maternal and child health (MCH) programs often overlook the full range of influences affecting health in-utero and early childhood. To address this, we developed a methodology for assessing community risk in MCH based on six domains integrating 66 indicators across community, environment, socioeconomic indicators, and MCH outcomes. We pilot this methodology in Pennsylvania, and share examples of how local governments, planners, and public health officials across the geographic spectrum can integrate this data into community planning for improved maternal and child health.

Keywords: child friendly communities; maternal and child health needs assessment; planning for maternal and child health; social determinants of health.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Built Environment*
Child
Child Health* / statistics & numerical data
Child, Preschool
Female
Health Planning* / methods
Humans
Maternal Health* / statistics & numerical data
Pennsylvania
Public Health* / statistics & numerical data
Risk Assessment* / standards
Social Environment*