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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Lisa Akselrad
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers that are trusted members of the community they serve. They usually share ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, and/or life experiences of similar community members and work within the local health care system to provide care to patients in their community.2 CHWs offer interpretation services, provide culturally appropriate health education, advocate for health needs, and provide direct medical services.2 Their work is centered on improving health outcomes, promoting health equity, and addressing the unique needs other communities they serve in.2 In underserved areas, health disparities and adverse health outcomes are seen in pregnant individuals. Those who live in rural areas compared to urban areas face an increased risk of negative maternal health outcomes.3 CHWs play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the community, especially in underserved or marginalized populations in low- and middle-income countries.4 While CHWs are well utilized in other countries, the Unites States (U.S.) underutilizes them.5 CHWs may provide a solution to counter disparities seen in pregnant individuals living in underserved communities in the U.S. This article addresses ways CHWs can support pregnant individuals living in underserved areas in the U.S. through various stages of pregnancy to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Recommended Citation
McGraw, Elizabeth R., "Role of Community Health Workers in Preventing Adverse Outcomes in Pregnant Individuals Living in Underserved Communities in the United States" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 8.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/8
Role of Community Health Workers in Preventing Adverse Outcomes in Pregnant Individuals Living in Underserved Communities in the United States
Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers that are trusted members of the community they serve. They usually share ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, and/or life experiences of similar community members and work within the local health care system to provide care to patients in their community.2 CHWs offer interpretation services, provide culturally appropriate health education, advocate for health needs, and provide direct medical services.2 Their work is centered on improving health outcomes, promoting health equity, and addressing the unique needs other communities they serve in.2 In underserved areas, health disparities and adverse health outcomes are seen in pregnant individuals. Those who live in rural areas compared to urban areas face an increased risk of negative maternal health outcomes.3 CHWs play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and the community, especially in underserved or marginalized populations in low- and middle-income countries.4 While CHWs are well utilized in other countries, the Unites States (U.S.) underutilizes them.5 CHWs may provide a solution to counter disparities seen in pregnant individuals living in underserved communities in the U.S. This article addresses ways CHWs can support pregnant individuals living in underserved areas in the U.S. through various stages of pregnancy to improve pregnancy outcomes.