Perception of Pregnancy Related Health Issues Among Arab Women Living in the United States

Ping Ma, Maria. C. Magnus, Jeanette. H. Magnus

Ethnic minorities living in the US have lower utilization and access to prenatal care, resulting in an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present study examines utilization of prenatal care, perceived pregnancy related health, and perceived risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Arab women living in the USA cross-sectional study was conducted, consisting of a convenience sample of 170 Arab women. A structured questionnaire was administered by a face-to-face or telephone interview. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted Odds Ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals, controlling for potential confounders. All study participants had received prenatal care during their most recent pregnancy, and 90% had their first prenatal care visit before the 12th gestational week. The Arab women who were older (P = 0.02), those with 12 years of education or less (P = 0.002), and those who had lived in the US more than five years (P = 0.0002) were more likely to report four or more pregnancies. In addition, more than one-third of the women reported having experienced a miscarriage (35.4%), which was significantly associated with gravida status (P < 0.001). An association between perceived susceptibility for spontaneous abortion and stillbirth was also demonstrated (P < 0.0001). Although Arab women reported good coverage of prenatal care, they perceived themselves as susceptible for several pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Clinical guidelines for prenatal care to Arab women should therefore focus on their high parity and likelihood of miscarriages, in an attempt to reduce their risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.