Socioeconomic Disparities in Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease: Translating National Evidence to Virginia and Hampton Roads
Abstract/Description
BACKGROUND: Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common congenital anomaly and a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Prenatal diagnosis of CHD, particularly severe forms, improves neonatal outcomes through early planning for delivery and intervention. We aim to synthesize the existing literature on the relationship between SEF and the prenatal diagnosis of CHD and explore how this evidence might apply to the sociodemographic and healthcare landscape of Virginia.
METHODS: A targeted review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to identify studies examining the role of SEF on prenatal diagnosis of CHD.
RESULTS: Studies shows that SEF are significantly associated with prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Public insurance status is the most consistently cited contributing factor to a lower rate of prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Notably, Norfolk and Portsmouth have Medicaid coverage rates of 27.2% and 25.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the at-risk population in Hampton Roads is greater with a higher birth rate than the state average. It is apparent that Hampton Roads likely suffers from a greater disparity in prenatal diagnosis of CHD due to socioeconomic disparities when compared to the rest of the state.
CONCLUSIONS: Public insurance status is associated with a lower rate of prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Hampton Roads has a greater proportion of its residents covered by Medicaid, which could translate into less prenatal diagnoses of CHD compared to the rest of the state. This highlights the intersection of public health disparities and prenatal care, as well as the need to address inequalities in our own community.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Prenatal Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease: Translating National Evidence to Virginia and Hampton Roads
BACKGROUND: Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common congenital anomaly and a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Prenatal diagnosis of CHD, particularly severe forms, improves neonatal outcomes through early planning for delivery and intervention. We aim to synthesize the existing literature on the relationship between SEF and the prenatal diagnosis of CHD and explore how this evidence might apply to the sociodemographic and healthcare landscape of Virginia.
METHODS: A targeted review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted to identify studies examining the role of SEF on prenatal diagnosis of CHD.
RESULTS: Studies shows that SEF are significantly associated with prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Public insurance status is the most consistently cited contributing factor to a lower rate of prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Notably, Norfolk and Portsmouth have Medicaid coverage rates of 27.2% and 25.6%, respectively. Furthermore, the at-risk population in Hampton Roads is greater with a higher birth rate than the state average. It is apparent that Hampton Roads likely suffers from a greater disparity in prenatal diagnosis of CHD due to socioeconomic disparities when compared to the rest of the state.
CONCLUSIONS: Public insurance status is associated with a lower rate of prenatal diagnosis of CHD. Hampton Roads has a greater proportion of its residents covered by Medicaid, which could translate into less prenatal diagnoses of CHD compared to the rest of the state. This highlights the intersection of public health disparities and prenatal care, as well as the need to address inequalities in our own community.