Location, Location, Location: Examining the Relationship Between Rural Texas Counties and Maternal Outcomes
Date
2024-05
Authors
Holliman, Faith
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Abstract
Fifty-two percent of the two hundred and fifty-four counties in Texas are considered rural. Rural counties are more likely to be in maternal care deserts, or areas with restricted to nonexistent access to OB/GYN care and birthing centers. Rural counties are associated with higher maternal morbidity ratios (MMR). MMR measures the ratio of women with pregnancy related illnesses per 1000, and can be an indicator of the quality of healthcare in a county. We set out to test the correlation between rural counties and higher MMRs by using a two tailed T-test comparing the MMRs of rural and urban counties. There was a significant difference between the rural and urban MMRs. Women in rural counties had higher MMRs, and thus, worse outcomes. An expansion of OB/GYN healthcare to these rural counties is paramount to improving these high MMRs. These can take the form of telemedicine clinics, expanding awareness of risk factors in pregnancy, and improved postpartum care.
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Keywords
maternal health, maternal care deserts, rural, urban, rural health, health disparity, maternal morbidity, maternal morbidity ratio, maternal outcomes, pregnancy, obstetrics, telemedicine
Citation
Holliman, F. (2024). Location, location, location: Examining the relationship between rural Texas counties and maternal outcomes. Honors College, Texas State University.