Abidemi Okechukwu, Priscilla Magrath, Halimatou Alaofe, Leslie V Farland, Ivo Abraham, David G Marrero, Martin Celaya, John Ehiri
OBJECTIVES: Optimal postpartum care promotes healthcare utilization and outcomes. This qualitative study investigated the experiences and perceived needs for postpartum care among women in rural communities in Arizona, United States. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with thirty childbearing women and analyzed the transcripts using reflexive thematic analysis to gauge their experiences, needs, and factors affecting postpartum healthcare utilization. RESULTS: Experiences during childbirth and multiple structural factors, including transportation, childcare services, financial constraints, and social support, played crucial roles in postpartum care utilization for childbearing people in rural communities...
February 17, 2024: Maternal and Child Health Journal