Perinatal Health Disparities And Strategies To Improve Outcomes Among Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Background: Inequality in perinatal health is an issue of significant world-wide concern in the sphere of the social context, where disadvantaged population categories (including low-income groups, the rural population, and marginalized ethnic groups) are disproportionately impacted. Such discrepancies cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, which are preventable due to inequity in access, high-quality care, and underlying social determinants of health. Objective: The purpose of the paper is to discuss the scope and causes of perinatal health inequities at each part of the care continuum and also suggest evidence-based interventions to enhance the results of vulnerable groups. Methodology: The conceptual framework and narrative review methodology was employed with the synthesis of the available literature on the topic of perinatal health inequities and mapping of disparities in the areas of antenatal period, intrapartum period, postnatal period, and follow-up. Interventions based on data and enablers on the system level were also examined. Findings: The inequities were reported at every phase of care such as lack of access to antenatal care, low levels of skilled birth attendance, lack of postnatal follow-up, and poor continuity. These gaps are made worse by structural factors like poverty, weakness in the health systems and geographical barriers. Combined measures, such as community-based interventions, health system strengthening, and digital health innovations have shown a great potential in enhancing outcomes. Conclusion: To achieve sustainable maternal and neonatal health outcomes by addressing existing perinatal health disparities, a comprehensive, equity-based approach linked to continuum-of-care strategies and robust health systems and supporting vulnerable populations is necessary.