Date of Conferral

11-15-2024

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Health Services

Advisor

Jeanne Connors

Abstract

Maternal mortality in the United States is significantly higher than in most developed nations and has been increasing since 2000. Persistent between-group disparities among White, Black, and Hispanic women occur in terms of maternal mortality; however, the reason for this is largely unknown. Using the intersectionality theory, this quantitative study examined if racial groups predicted maternal mortality and to what extent relationships were moderated by geographic area and health risk factors. This nonexperimental correlational historical research design addressed three research questions. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project dataset was used for the analysis. The minimum sample size was 988 cases, determined using an initial power analysis. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software, which involved hierarchical multiple logistic regression to test correlation and moderation. The findings revealed that the interaction of racial differences and maternal mortality was not significantly moderated by urban/rural status or state of residence. The findings suggest the need to recognize individual differences and the multidimensionality of social categories to enhance maternal healthcare in the US. The recommendations for future research include well-formulated policy interventions that could be used to reduce maternal mortality. Future research could utilize qualitative methods for positive social change to improve societal maternity health disparities at birth by considering each patient’s experience. Educational programs could lead to social change by empowering pregnant women to make good health decisions because lower levels of maternal education were associated with higher maternal mortality.

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