Access to prenatal care remains a significant challenge, particularly in remote and rural areas of the United States with limited medical access. The lack of immediate support during pregnancy can lead to serious health risks for both mothers and infants. Misinterpretation or the lack of awareness about prenatal care can lead to delayed diagnosis and inaccurate management of conditions such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and anemia, which increases the risk of complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal morbidity. This project aims to address the critical gap in prenatal care for underserved populations in rural Texas by developing and distributing pregnancy care kits. These kits will contain over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, iron supplements, antacids, and medications for nausea. They will also include instructional materials on the safe usage of these medications to recognize and manage symptoms, along with guidance on when to seek urgent medical attention. A mixed-methods approach will be used, combining both quantitative data from tracking kit distribution and acceptance, as well as qualitative feedback gathered through interviews and surveys with pregnant individuals by partnering with local healthcare workers. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the pregnancy care kits are received, their effectiveness in meeting immediate prenatal care needs, and their impact on maternal health outcomes in rural areas. Additionally, the study will analyze any barriers to kit use or distribution, identifying potential areas for improvement in future implementation. By addressing prenatal care needs and fostering collaboration within communities, this initiative has the potential to significantly enhance maternal health outcomes, reduce disparities, and serve as a scalable model for improving healthcare access in underserved areas.
ENHANCING RURAL PRENATAL CARE WITH PREGNANCY CARE KITS
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Student Abstract Submission