Research

We are committed to understanding the factors that contribute to maternal health disparities in our city, state, and country.

Here are some key facts:

  • Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women – CDC, 2019.
  • The pregnancy-related mortality ratio (PRMR) for black women with at least a college degree was 5.2 times that of their white counterparts – CDC
  • In New York City, Black non-Latina women were eight times more likely than White non-Latina women to die from a pregnancy-related cause between 2011 and 2015 – NYC Department of Health.

Our Projects

We are busy working on a number of ongoing research projects. Here are some highlights of our current work:

COVID-19 Research – During the height of the COVID-19 peak in New York City (March – June 2020), SUNY Downstate was designated a COVID-only treatment facility. During this time our OB patients were transferred to other hospitals/facilities for their obstetrical care. We are interested in understanding how COVID-19 impacted them, their birth experiences and their social/financial/emotional stressors.

Downstate Obstetrical Outcomes Database – We are collecting information about deliveries at SUNY Downstate to understand more about what contributes to incidences of adverse maternal health outcomes.

Birth Experiences – We are asking our patients for feedback about their birth experiences to understand what they are experiencing during their deliveries at SUNY Downstate.

NYC Data – We are collaborating with the New York City Department of Health to obtain and analyze city-wide maternal health information. With this data we hope to better understand the structural determinants of maternal health.

Our Publications

Reducing Perinatal Health Disparities by Placing Equity at the Heart of Performance Improvement
Obstetrics & Gynecology, February 2021

Pardo, Christina MD, MPH; Atallah, Fouad MD; Mincer, Shifra MD; Minkoff, Howard MD Reducing Perinatal Health Disparities by Placing Equity at the Heart of Performance Improvement, Obstetrics & Gynecology: February 4, 2021 – Volume Latest Articles – Issue – 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004283 doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004283

The Data

To understand more about maternal health disparities in New York City, New York State and the United States, we recommend reading the literature. Here are some important articles and resources with data and analysis.

Pregnancy Associated Mortality: New York City, 2011-2015
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Neighborhood Racial And Economic Polarization, Hospital Of Delivery, And Severe Maternal Morbidity
Health Affairs, May 2020
Janevic T, Zeitlin J, Egorova N, Hebert PL, Balbierz A, Howell EA. Neighborhood Racial And Economic Polarization, Hospital Of Delivery, And Severe Maternal Morbidity. Health Aff (Millwood). 2020 May;39(5):768-776. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00735. PMID: 32364858.

Social Determinants of Pregnancy-Related Mortality and Morbidity in the United States – A Systematic Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology, April 2020
Wang E, Glazer KB, Howell EA, Janevic TM. Social Determinants of Pregnancy-Related Mortality and Morbidity in the United States: A Systematic Review. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Apr;135(4):896-915. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003762. PMID: 32168209; PMCID: PMC7104722.

Black-white differences in severe maternal morbidity and site of care
American Journal Obstetrics Gynecology, January 2017
Howell EA, Egorova N, Balbierz A, Zeitlin J, Hebert PL. Black-white differences in severe maternal morbidity and site of care. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016;214(1):122.e1-122.e1227. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2015.08.019.

More Coming Soon