The Influence Of Socioeconomic Determinants On Perinatal Health Outcomes Among Diverse Populations

Abstract

Background: A socioeconomic determinant of perinatal health outcomes is income, education, occupation, and access to healthcare. The variety of maternal and neonatal outcome differences based on varied populations has been caused by disparities in these factors, especially where resources are limited. Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the role of socioeconomic determinants on perinatal health outcomes and to compare health outcomes of mothers and neonates between various socioeconomic groups. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytic study was carried out in 650 pregnant women in low, middle and high socioeconomic groups. Structured questionnaires and medical records were used to collect data. The critical outcome measures were attendance of the antenatal care (ANC), institutional birth, low neonatal morbidity, and maternal complications. Chi-square and logistic regression were used in statistical analysis and the p-value of significance was 0.05. Findings: The high ANC attendance (4 or more visits) was supported in the high SES (85%), middle (65%), and low SES (40%), where the scores are less than or equal to each other (p < 0.001). Also, institutional rates of delivery were better among high SES women (90%) as compared to low SES (45%). There was a significant difference in neonatal mortality between high SES (1.8) and low SES (7.5). Conclusion: The influence of socioeconomic determinants on the perinatal health outcomes is significant. To tackle inequalities by delivering specific interventions is a necessary step toward enhancing maternal and neonatal health in all populations.