Exploring the Effects of COVID-19 on the Racial Disparities and Inequities of Maternal Health: A Survey-Based Study

Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, undergraduate researchers at the University of Pittsburgh launched an investigation into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal health, with a particular focus on inequity in care. This study utilized a survey, titled COVID-19 Maternal Health Experiences (CMHE) Survey, to explore stress levels and personal accounts of perceived differences in maternal health care in the United States following March 2020. It was hypothesized that the pandemic, having upended and permanently reshaped health systems in the U.S., would reveal broader truths about privilege and inequity in the context of women’s health and motherhood. The responses gathered from 119 participants, predominantly from Pennsylvania, revealed heightened stress concerning health and childcare since the national outbreak of the pandemic. The homogeneity of participant demographics limits this survey results’ generalizability and the ability to perform a racial analysis, emphasizing the need for diverse samples in future research. Despite limitations, the findings of this study highlight the importance of continued research on issues in maternal health care, as well as the importance of providing mothers of all ethnic backgrounds with equitable care and an outlet to express concerns related to their physical, mental, and emotional health.