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. 2020;9(3):316-319.
doi: 10.21106/ijma.398. Epub 2020 Jul 29.

Role of Social Determinants of Health in Widening Maternal and Child Health Disparities in the Era of Covid-19 Pandemic

Deepa Dongarwar  1 , Veronica B Ajewole  2   3   4 , Emmanuella Oduguwa  1 , Ahone Ngujede  5 , Kiydra Harris  2   3   4 , Theresa U Ofili  5 , Omonike A Olaleye  2   3 , Hamisu M Salihu  1   6
Affiliations

Role of Social Determinants of Health in Widening Maternal and Child Health Disparities in the Era of Covid-19 Pandemic

Deepa Dongarwar et al. Int J MCH AIDS. 2020.

Abstract

We present a conceptual model that describes the social determinants of health (SDOH) pathways contributing to worse outcomes in minority maternal and child health (MCH) populations due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. We used International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) codes in the categories Z55-Z65 to identify SDOH that potentially modulate MCH disparities. These SDOH pathways, coupled with pre-existing comorbidities, exert higher-than-expected burden of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality in minority communities. There is an urgent need for an increased infusion of resources to mitigate the effects of these SDOH and avert permanent truncation in quality and quantity of life among minorities following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Maternal and child health disparity; Minority women; Social determinants of health.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors report no conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Conceptual model to describe the social determinants of health pathways contributing towards disparities and worse outcomes in the MCH population during the COVID-19 pandemic
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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