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. 2020;9(3):386-389.
doi: 10.21106/ijma.405. Epub 2020 Sep 16.

Expected Surge in Maternal Mortality and Severe Morbidity among African-Americans in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic

Korede K Yusuf  1 , Deepa Dongarwar  2 , Sahra Ibrahimi  1 , Chioma Ikedionwu  2 , Sitratullah O Maiyegun  3 , Hamisu M Salihu  2   4
Affiliations

Expected Surge in Maternal Mortality and Severe Morbidity among African-Americans in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic

Korede K Yusuf et al. Int J MCH AIDS. 2020.

Abstract

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, African-American mothers were three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white mothers. The impact of the pandemic among African-Americans could further worsen the racial disparities in maternal mortality (MM) and severe maternal morbidity (SMM). This study aimed to create a theoretical framework delineating the contributors to an expected rise in maternal mortality (MM) and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) among African-Americans in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic due to preliminary studies suggesting heightened vulnerability of African-Americans to the virus as well as its adverse health effects. Rapid searches were conducted in PubMed and Google to identify published articles on the health determinants of MM and SMM that have been or likely to be disproportionately affected by the pandemic in African-Americans. We identified socioeconomic and health trends determinants that may contribute to future adverse maternal health outcomes. There is a need to intensify advocacy, implement culturally acceptable programs, and formulate policies to address social determinants of health.

Keywords: African-Americans; COVID-19; Maternal mortality; Severe maternal morbidity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A theoretical framework to explain a projected increase in maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in US African American women in the era of COVID-19 Pandemic
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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