Implications of Maternal Care Accessibility, Race, Income, and Insurance Status on Prenatal Care Usage and Birth Outcomes Across Mississippi [ID 1776]

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to investigate the influence of maternal care accessibility, race, income, and insurance status on prenatal care usage and birth outcomes across Mississippi. Mississippi ranks last in the United States for low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB) rates, with 51.2% of counties classified as maternal health deserts. The research focused on differences in prenatal care during the first trimester, LBW, and PTB rates across Caucasian and African American women in counties with full obstetrical care and those classified as care deserts. METHODS: Data on high school completion, income, and insurance status were analyzed alongside birth outcomes and prenatal care rates. T-tests and ANOVA were used to assess statistical differences in outcomes between groups. RESULTS: The findings revealed significant disparities based on race and access. African American women were more likely to experience LBW and PTB across all counties, whereas Caucasian women in full-care counties received more first-trimester care. Higher income was associated with improved birth outcomes and increased prenatal care, whereas high school completion reduced LBW and PTB rates. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Insurance status, however, was not linked to improved outcomes, suggesting that other barriers, such as systemic racism and financial costs, may be responsible. Expanding maternal care access alone may not adequately address Mississippi's high LBW and PTB rates or the racial disparities observed in maternal care. Further research is needed to explore underlying financial barriers.