Obstetric Outcomes in U.S. Veterans: Emerging Knowledge, Considerations, and Gaps

Hugin, Michèle; Shaw, Jonathan G.

doi:10.1055/s-0039-1692128

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 34 publications

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“…Several risk factors for preterm birth (PTB) and LBW have been identified as prevalent in Veterans. [8][9][10] Compared to the general population, women Veterans have a higher prevalence of complex clinical (diabetes and hypertension) and mental health (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD], and anxiety) comorbidities. 9,[11][12][13] Previous studies of the general population have concluded that increased maternal clinical comorbidities and advanced age are associated with PTB.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Newborn Outcomes Among Veterans Utilizing VHA Maternity Benefits, 2016-2020

et al. 2021

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Introduction Public Law 111-163 Section 206 of the Caregivers and Veteran Omnibus Health Services Act amended the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) medical benefits package to include 7 days of medical care for newborns delivered by Veterans. We examined the newborn outcomes among a cohort of women Veterans receiving VHA maternity benefits and care coordination. Materials and Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of phone interview data from Veterans enrolled in the COMFORT (Center for Maternal and Infant Outcomes Research in Translation) study 2016–2020. Multivariable regression estimated associations with newborn outcomes (preterm birth; low birthweight). Results During the study period, 829 infants were born to 811 Veterans. Mothers reported “excellent health” for 94% of infants. The prevalence of preterm birth was slightly higher in our cohort (11% vs. 10%), as were low birthweight (9%) deliveries, compared to the general population (8.28%). Additionally, 42% of infants in our cohort required follow-up care for non-routine health conditions; 11% were uninsured at 2 months of age. Adverse newborn outcomes were more common for mothers who were older in age, self-identified as non-white in race and/or of Hispanic ethnicity, had a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder, or had gestational comorbidities. Conclusions The current VHA maternity coverage appears to be an effective policy for ensuring the well-being and health care coverage for the majority of Veterans and their newborns in the first days of life, thereby reducing the risk of inadequate prenatal and neonatal care. Future research should examine costs associated with extending coverage to 14 days or longer, comparing those to the projected excess costs of neonatal health problems. VHA policy should continue to support expanding care and resources through the Maternity Care Coordinator model.

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