EngagINg the COmmunity to Reduce Preterm Birth Via Adherence To an Individualized Prematurity Prevention Plan (INCORPorATe IP3)

Non-Hispanic black (NHB) women are 49% more likely to experience a preterm birth (PTB), delivery before 37 weeks. PTB is associated with increased risk of poor short and long-term neonatal outcomes. PTB can occur in multiple clinical scenarios including spontaneous PTB (e.g. preterm labor, preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes) and medically induced preterm labor (e.g. preeclampsia). Women with a history of PTB are at 1.5 - 2 fold increased risk for future PTB. There are medical therapies than can reduce the risk of recurrent PTB specific to the presumed etiology of the prior PTB. Thus, women with a history of a prior PTB who receive care with Duke Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) receive and Individualized Prematurity Prevention Plan (IP3) to reduce their risk of recurrent PTB. The IP3 plans are often labor intensive with requirements ranging from daily medications, weekly clinic visits, painful injections or invasive ultrasounds.

Given the increased rate so of PTB among NHB women and some suggestion of decreased adherence in this population1, we previously conducted qualitative studies with NHB women to uncover patient perceived barriers to IP3 adherence2,3. These studies revealed that NHB women with prior preterm birth felt that stress and lack of support were key barriers to preterm birth prevention adherence. Stress and limited support made women feel isolated from their peers and community. Based on these data we worked with a stakeholder group to develop a patient-centered, community-involved intervention that will increased adherence to an individualized prematurity prevention plan using community-level social supports. The resulting invention titled, EngagINg the COmmunity to Reduce Preterm Birth via Adherence To an Individualized Prematurity Prevention Plan (INCORPorATe IP3) includes community doula led group social support.