Patient Needs and Perceptions of Doula Care: A Survey Study [ID 2683478

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Doulas improve birth outcomes, and doulas that provide culturally congruent care are needed in historically marginalized communities who experience stark disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity. This study characterizes the needs and perceptions of doula care among patients from the same health care system. METHODS: This IRB-approved, cross-sectional study, in collaboration with community-based midwives and doulas, administered de-identified surveys in two obstetrics/gynecology clinics in South Florida. Surveys characterized 1) patient demographics, along with 2) patient understanding of, and 3) patient need for doula care. RESULTS: One-hundred seventy-six patients were surveyed and an alpha level of 0.05 was utilized for all statistical tests. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with an annual household income between $25,000 and $50,000 (OR = 4.87; 95% CI, [1.02–23.36]) were almost five times more likely than those with an annual household income below $25,000 to have an interest in doula care. Chi-squared analysis found no statistically significant relationship between race and interest in doula care, X2 (4, N = 176) = 2.80, P=.591. Among patients who expressed interest for doula care, χ2 analysis found a statistically significant relationship where Black and/or African American patients were less likely than White/Caucasian patients to be able to pay for doula care, X2 (8, N = 148) = 19.25, P=.014. CONCLUSION: Results illustrate an increased need for doula access among patients in a large academic, safety-net hospital, especially those from historically marginalized groups. This study encourages other health care systems to assess the need for increased doula support within their communities.