By: Clare G.

Clare G. — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 14:26:00 +0000

As a nursing student interested in community and women’s health, I was pleased to learn about the Pre-Term Birth initiative in California. In my pediatrics class, we recently learned about health problems faced by preterm infants. Though I knew physiological maternal issues such as diabetes and hypertension could negatively impact pregnancy and the newborn, I never thought about other circumstances, such as race, socioeconomic status and psychological factors playing a role. PTBi’s research showing a correlation between impoverished California neighborhoods and preterm birth and infant mortality rates is alarming. Work must be done to alleviate this public health disparity. PTBi research has shown that people living in low-income neighborhoods, with increased exposure to violence, environmental contamination and reduced access to healthy food and transportation, are at a greater risk of chronic stress. Chronic stress increases a mother’s risk of preterm labor as well as chronic diseases such as CVD, asthma, diabetes and obesity. As we know, these illnesses can also cause issues for pregnancy and children exposed to these issues in utero. I wanted to explore the issue further and found similar studies that have been conducted on the issue, such as “Sociodemographic and Community Factors Contributing to Preterm Birth” (Behrman, 2007) and “Racial/ethnic disparities in preterm birth: clues from environmental exposures” (Burris, 2011).

The research being done by PTBi-California is necessary because of its “cell-to-society” approach—not focused solely on science but also social determinants of health. What better way to explore the social aspects than by talking face-to-face with women who are at risk of preterm birth or who have experienced it? I loved the sentiments expressed by community stakeholders involved in formulating the initiative’s research questions. PTBi’s community research team, led by Culture of Health Breakthrough Leader in Nursing Monica McLemore, PhD, RN, MPH, is wise to get women with personal experience from the California areas in question involved. It gives them a voice in discussing the issues that are important to them. It also allows them to play a part in what becomes evidence-based research. I think most health-related research would benefit from getting focus group feedback before research questions are even developed. PTBi has the unique advantage of not only presenting interesting research that explores factors contributing to preterm labor, but also is tailored to those affected by health disparities so that they will be interested, motivated and empowered to change what is within their control.

As a future nurse, I plan to utilize research, such as that being done by PTBi, in my patient teaching. I plan to give my patients autonomy and a say in their care, as playing an active role may help empower them to make change. Health care providers are constantly seeking ways for their education to influence their patients’ behaviors. As stakeholder voices inform research questions, their voices will speak through to the patients this research hopes to engage and influence.

Comments on: “It’s Telling My Story”: Community-Engaged Research

By: Clare G.