New Study Sheds Light on Maternal Health Issues and Need for More Nurses

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Nurses are lifelines for mothers-to-be, helping recognize complications early during labor and delivery.

Maternal health for women could improve even further with a nurse workforce that reflects the local community and the US population, according to a new study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Researchers found that Latinas who gave birth in states with the highest proportion of nurses with similar backgrounds experienced a 31% reduced risk of severe adverse maternal health outcomes, including eclampsia, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, or intensive care unit admission.

Why might this be? Researchers believe that if the nurse workforce more closely resembled the makeup of patients, there could be a reduction in provider issues or subconscious preferences for white patients.

“A [nurse workforce that reflects the local community and the US population] may help … enhance communications and trust between patients and clinicians,” Dr. Guohua Li, professor of epidemiology and anesthesiology at Columbia University, and senior study author, said in a press release.

The results of the study are particularly relevant now, as maternal mortality remains an issue in the US.

The Importance of Maternal Healthcare Providers

Given the alarming status of maternal health in the US, a nurse workforce that reflects the local community and the US population is vital to ensure the health and safety of all women and children.

However, studies show that this benefits patient health outcomes in many additional areas, including cancer treatment.

“There are tons of studies saying that patients do better and are more willing to listen to healthcare advice from someone who reflects their values, sense of self,” Sheldon D. Fields of Penn State University College of Nursing, told U.S. News & World Report.

Despite the growing evidence in favor, Latinos represent just 5.3% of the registered nurse workforce, even though the Latino population has risen to a record-high of 18.9% of the US population.

Why Does Nursing Need to Better Reflect the Population?

There is still a lack of a nursing workforce that reflects the US population.

The reason for this issue is multi-faceted, and begins with generations of people who face big issues with the non-medical drivers of health, like a lack of financial resources, and ability to afford basic needs like food and housing.

Additionally, some students face barriers to the quality education needed to pursue nursing beginning at the K-12 level.

For example, at the college level, Latinos are far less likely than their white peers to complete their degree, and more likely to still be enrolled beyond six years on their path to a degree.

Support for Nurses

Organizations like the American Nursing Association and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing are already taking action to improve how the nursing workforce reflects the US population.

Universities across the nation are also coming together to help increase college graduation rates.

You can help support health improvement in your community, too.

Select your county and get a Health Report Card by Salud America!.

In your report card, you will see maps, data, and gauges to compare health issues, including education access, to the rest of your state and nation.

You can email your Health Report Card to local leaders to stimulate community change. Use the data in your materials or share on social media to raise awareness.

Get your Health Report Card!