Improving Peripartum Care Engagement Among Black Women at Risk for Low Prenatal Care Attendance: A Secondary Analysis of Predictors of Attendance and Sample Representativeness.

Background: The United States has unacceptably high rates of maternal and infant mortality, especially among Black women and their infants. Prenatal and postpartum care help reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality; however, Black women are less likely to access and utilize peripartum care largely due to structural racism. Identifying factors that buffer against the systemic barriers disproportionately impacting this community is an important step in addressing racial health disparities. Using existing data from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) targeting maternal and infant health disparities, this study aims to (1) explore predictors of peripartum care attendance and (2) examine clinical trial sample representativeness. Methods: The analyses addressing the primary aim of the study included Black women at risk for low prenatal care (PNC) engagement who consented to RCT participation and had a documented live birth (n = 123). For the secondary study aim, comparisons between women who consented to the RCT (Consenters; n = 149) and those who did not (Non-consenters; n = 122) were made using chi-square and t-tests. Results: Hierarchical linear and logistic regression identified predictors of prenatal and postpartum care attendance, respectively. After controlling for multiple comparisons, no significant differences were identified between characteristics of Consenters and Non-consenters. Older age (p = 0.038), high-risk pregnancy (p < 0.001), and no past week substance use (p = 0.033) predicted better PNC attendance. PNC attendance predicted postpartum visit attendance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides benchmark data on predictors of peripartum care and sample representativeness in RCTs. Findings have important implications for health care system changes and development of culturally informed interventions.