How Neighborhood Community Centers May Play a Role in Improving Maternal Health Outcomes

Abstract

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, with Black women facing the highest rates (69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births), which is 2.6 times higher than for White women. Research suggests physical activity (PA) during pregnancy can reduce health disparities and improve outcomes. However, lack of access to community centers and green spaces limits PA, contributing to worsened health outcomes for both mother and baby. This study aims to pilot an intervention using neighborhood community centers in Pitt County, North Carolina, to increase physical activity and improve maternal health outcomes among pregnant women. It also seeks to improve maternal health outcomes using focus groups and program evaluations. Participants were recruited by Blue Cross Blue Shield for the Birth and Bloom Healthy Pregnancy Initiative program through flyers and word of mouth. The pilot program included 7 adult women, and these women were surveyed via REDCap. The survey collected demographic information, including gender, race, ethnicity, income, education level, and weeks of pregnancy. and physical activity frequency and intensity. The racial demographic of the surveyed participants was primarily Black women (72%; n-=5), with the remaining participants being White (14%; n=1) and Hispanic (14%; n=1). Seventy-one percent of participants engaged in physical activity during pregnancy, while 29% did not. Analysis of responses from the final evaluation forms showed that 100% of participants found the program enjoyable and informative. They believed it would help them remain physically active and increase their confidence in staying active. Themes from the focus group discussion included experiencing fellowship and social support, building new relationships, and feeling confident in their pregnancy education. Implementing this program at the Eppes Community Center addresses the barrier of limited green space and outdoor areas by providing women with a safe, accessible space to engage in physical activity and receive education without financial strain. An intervention combining physical activity and education, while utilizing the neighborhood and built environment, would better equip pregnant women with the tools for a successful pregnancy and may help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates.