Pilot protocol engages fathers in healthy pregnancy

Black women experience pregnancy-related racial and ethnic health disparities three to four times higher than White women. Conditions like cardiomyopathy, preeclampsia, and eclampsia more frequently affect Black women. With the knowledge that improving health before pregnancy benefits women’s overall health, the Georgia CEAL Regional Team published its methodology for a recently completed needs assessment and pilot protocol. The goal of the pilot was to reduce heart disease and improve overall health and pregnancy outcomes among Black women of reproductive age.

Researchers collaborated with Healthy Start programs in Georgia and South Carolina to test a counseling program that engages Black fathers in supporting women during pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Research shows that fathers influence maternal health behaviors like drinking, smoking, fitness, and nutrition, all of which impact a healthy pregnancy.

“[T]his research could facilitate increased usage of CBPR (community-engaged research partnerships) alongside implementation science to address other maternal health inequities; particularly in the Southeast….” Frontiers in Public Health, September 2024

The project engaged mothers and fathers while prioritizing communities by using a community-based participatory research model to reach the hardest-hit populations instead of a more traditional provider- or researcher-led approach. Additionally, point-of-care patient-reported outcomes and social determinants of health will be combined to support HIPPA-compliant data sharing.

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