Date
8-20-2026
Department
School of Health Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)
Chair
Larissa Farnam Luce
Keywords
Black maternal mortality, morbidity, social determinants of health, health disparities, implicit bias, maternal health, New Jersey
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Public Health
Recommended Citation
Barnes, Nyrobi, "Navigating the Maternal Health Crisis: Enhancing Maternal Health Outcomes in New Jersey" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8834.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8834
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to better understand the implications of race and ethnicity on perinatal health experiences and maternal health outcomes in non-Hispanic Black women (nHBw) in New Jersey and mitigate the maternal health crisis. A secondary outcome was to propose an evidence-based initiative to elicit equitable care in New Jersey via grant-funded programs at the New Jersey Department of Health. Although New Jersey has made progress in improving maternal and infant health outcomes, racial disparities continue to persist. The research aims to further understand implications of race and ethnicity on adverse perinatal health experiences and maternal health outcomes. A quantitative survey tool was utilized to conduct the study. Participants (n = 67) identified as women or birthing persons, aged 18 to 44 during pregnancy, resided in New Jersey, and utilized healthcare services in New Jersey. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical software, SPSS, to determine statistically significant differences by race and ethnicity. Rates of miscarriage were highest among Black or African American participants in comparison to other groups, χ² (11, N = 67) = 19.726, p = .049. Black participants aged 25-34 and 35-44 in addition to the Hispanic or Indigenous participant aged 35-44 experienced racial bias more than any other group, χ2(10, N = 67) = 31.53, p < 0.001 (Table 13). The study recommends the widespread implementation of home visiting programs, enhancing accessibility to pregnancy-related education, collaboration with community-based organizations, utilizing community health workers, and considering the nuances associated with data.
