410 - Advancing Health Equity in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Community-Engaged Doula Program for Black Families in Pittsburgh

Publication Number: 410.3938

GLORIA O. AKHADELOR-JOB, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Adena Bowden, Healthy Start, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Ikenna D. Ebuenyi, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science and School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; calista Tucker, Healthy Start, Concord, NC, United States; Cherrell Fulton, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Chaunda Cunningham, Healthy Start, Inc., 15208, PA, United States; Nicole G. Alindogan, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Olivia B.. Parks, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Makaylah Abdullah, Healthy Start Inc, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Neha C. Devineni, University of Pittsburgh, Fairfield, CT, United States; Jada Shirriel, Healthy Start, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Onome Oghifobibi, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Background: In Pittsburgh, Black birthing persons face preterm birth rates 3-4 times higher than Whites, highlighting racial disparities in birth outcomes. In addition, Black infants face significantly higher risks of adverse outcomes, prolonged Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stays, and higher infant mortality rates (IMR). Systemic barriers, including racial biases in healthcare and a lack of culturally tailored support, further exacerbate these disparities. This study aims to address these inequities by offering culturally tailored doula support that addresses the unique emotional, physical, and informational needs of Black NICU families in Pittsburgh

Objective: The primary goals of this ongoing study are (1) to investigate postpartum support needs of Black families from neighborhoods with high IMR, (2) to assess knowledge gaps around NICU doula care, and (3) to develop a NICU-specific doula curriculum

Design/Methods: Using a community-based participatory approach, we are conducting four focus group sessions with 6-10 Black families from high IMR neighborhoods, with three sessions completed. Recruitment used digital and traditional outreach with community partners to ensure representation. Community-trained facilitators led the focus groups, fostering culturally sensitive engagement. Topics include NICU experiences, birthing person support, and mental health. Sessions were recorded. REDCap was used for screening and data collection.

Results: Preliminary findings from concluded focus groups (n=19, ages 25-44) reveal three themes highlighting needs for Black NICU families: (1) high levels of emotional distress, indicating a strong need for accessible mental health resources; (2) communication barriers with NICU staff, with families expressing a desire for consistent and structured communication with healthcare providers; and (3) a significant need for culturally competent support, including practical guidance on infant care post-discharge and access to on-site specialized mental health counselors. These insights will inform the development of a NICU doula training curriculum that emphasizes family-centered, culturally attuned care to meet emotional and practical needs.

Conclusion(s): This study applies community-engaged methods to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Preliminary findings underscore the potential of a culturally tailored NICU doula program. By centering family voices, we aim to co-create an intervention that improves NICU experiences for Black families. Future work includes completing the last focus group and finalizing the curriculum to guide the pilot doula program.