A systematic review and meta-analysis of racial disparities in prenatal care in California: How much? Does insurance matter?

Abstract

This meta-analysis compares California to 13 states with regard to adequacy of prenatal care in the context of the major Medicaid expansion. It shows a reduction in prenatal care inadequacy after 1992, especially in California. It also shows persistent racial ethnic disparities. By examining how California differed from other states, this study provides not only benchmarks for attaining the Healthy People 2010 goal of 90% adequacy but also possible strategies for achieving this goal. Attaining the Healthy People 2010 objective for prenatal care for California as a whole will require further efforts to understand and address racial/ethnic and insurance-related inequalities.