Elevating Voices, Addressing Depression, Toxic Stress, and Equity Through Group Prenatal Care: A Pilot Study

• DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0160
• Publication Date: 2024-01-29T16:11:15Z
• Authors: Shannon N. Lenze; Kelly McKay-Gist; Rachel Paul; Melissa Tepe; Katherine Mathews; Sara Kornfield; Cheron Phillips; Richelle Smith; Amanda Stoermer; Ebony B. Carter
• Keywords: Prenatal Care; Community-Based Participatory Research; Depression

Introduction: Elevating Voices, Addressing Depression, Toxic Stress and Equity (EleVATE) is a group prenatal care (GC) model designed to improve pregnancy outcomes promote health equity for Black birthing people. This article outlines the foundational community-engaged process develop EleVATE GC pilot study results. Methods: We used community-based participatory research principles Ferguson Commission Report guide creation of GC. The intervention, by people, centers trauma-informed care, antiracism, integrates behavioral strategies into address unmet mental needs. Using convenience sample patients seeking at one three safety-net sites, we compared preterm birth, small gestational age, depression scores, other between in individual (IC), CenteringPregnancy™ (CP), Results: Forty-eight enrolled (n=11 IC; n=14 CP; n=23 GC) 86% self-identified as Black. Patients participating (EleVATE or CP) were significantly less likely experience birth <34 weeks. Rates <37 weeks, similar across groups. Participants CP more attend their postpartum visit breastfeed hospital discharge than those IC. Discussion: Our findings systematic approach design feasible, patient-centered, community-based, trauma-informed, antiracist intervention. Further needed determine whether improves perinatal promotes equity.