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Background: This article examines the utilization patterns of community birth (CB) and midwife-attended birth (MAB) among Asian/Pacific Islander (API) populations in the United States. It highlights the presence of significant racial-ethnic disparities and discusses cultural variations that influence these birth choices. Objectives: To describe variation in the probability of CB and MAB in low-risk pregnancies across API communities and to explore contributors to these variations, including traditional birth practices, cultural beliefs, and acculturation. Methods: The study employs logistic regression analysis of 2010-2020 birth certificate data to examine the probability of CB and MAB across pan-ethnic racial-ethnic groups and API subgroups. The data include information on place of birth, birth attendant, maternal demographics, and race-ethnicity, providing a comprehensive view of maternity care utilization among diverse populations. Results: The findings reveal that CB and MAB rates are significantly lower among API groups compared to other pan-ethnic groups. Among API subgroups, there is substantial heterogeneity in the uptake of CB and MAB, with lower rates among Asian Indians and Chinese birthing people and higher rates in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Guamanian populations. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of addressing racial-ethnic disparities in maternity care and promoting culturally sensitive approaches. Factors such as traditional birth customs, cultural beliefs, and acculturation significantly influence the choice of maternity care among API communities. Tailored interventions that consider the cultural differences and values of API subgroups are essential to enhancing the adoption of low-intervention care models and reducing healthcare disparities in maternal and infant outcomes.
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Unraveling the Tapestry: Exploring Variations in Midwifery and Community-Based Birth Utilization Among Asian Subgroups
Background: This article examines the utilization patterns of community birth (CB) and midwife-attended birth (MAB) among Asian/Pacific Islander (API) populations in the United States. It highlights the presence of significant racial-ethnic disparities and discusses cultural variations that influence these birth choices. Objectives: To describe variation in the probability of CB and MAB in low-risk pregnancies across API communities and to explore contributors to these variations, including traditional birth practices, cultural beliefs, and acculturation. Methods: The study employs logistic regression analysis of 2010-2020 birth certificate data to examine the probability of CB and MAB across pan-ethnic racial-ethnic groups and API subgroups. The data include information on place of birth, birth attendant, maternal demographics, and race-ethnicity, providing a comprehensive view of maternity care utilization among diverse populations. Results: The findings reveal that CB and MAB rates are significantly lower among API groups compared to other pan-ethnic groups. Among API subgroups, there is substantial heterogeneity in the uptake of CB and MAB, with lower rates among Asian Indians and Chinese birthing people and higher rates in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Guamanian populations. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of addressing racial-ethnic disparities in maternity care and promoting culturally sensitive approaches. Factors such as traditional birth customs, cultural beliefs, and acculturation significantly influence the choice of maternity care among API communities. Tailored interventions that consider the cultural differences and values of API subgroups are essential to enhancing the adoption of low-intervention care models and reducing healthcare disparities in maternal and infant outcomes.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2147848
- PAR ID:
- 10513766
- Publisher / Repository:
- Eastern Sociological Society (ESS)
- Date Published:
- Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
- Community birth, Midwifery, Racial-ethnic disparities, Asian/Pacific Islander (API) populations, Cultural Differences
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Location:
- Washington, DC
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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