XULA 2026 | 06.01.01 - Amaya White скачать в хорошем качестве

XULA 2026 | 06.01.01 - Amaya White

Abstract #06.01.01 — CRADLES OF CRISIS: UNDERSTANDING PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESS AND INFANT MORTALITY AMONG YOUNG ADUL Author(s) :: A White; C Haygood; T Reid-Johnson Author(s) Affiliation(s) :: Middle TN State University (AW); Meharry Medical College (CDH); Remade Counseling (TRJ) INTRODUCTION Infant mortality remains a pressing public health disparity in the United States, disproportionately affecting African American families and communities facing long-standing social and structural inequities. Psychosocial stress particularly stress linked to racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic challenges significantly contributes to adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Young adults, especially those ages 18–35, are often excluded from preconception health education despite being in a critical period for shaping future reproductive knowledge and behaviors. This study examined whether a virtual psychoeducational intervention could improve young adults’ understanding of the relationship between chronic stress and infant mortality in Middle Tennessee. METHODS Participants were recruited through local colleges and community networks. A licensed mental health professional facilitated a virtual educational session addressing stress-related hormones, high-risk populations, infant outcomes associated with maternal stress, community and policy-level interventions, and social determinants of health. Participants completed pre- and post-surveys to assess changes in knowledge across key domains. RESULTS Findings demonstrated substantial increases in knowledge across all measured areas. Understanding of cortisol and its connection to pregnancy complications rose from 54.5% to 70%. Accurate identification of populations at greatest risk for infant mortality increased from 54.5% to 80%. Knowledge of infant outcomes associated with high maternal stress improved from 68.2% to 86.7%. Awareness of effective community and policy interventions increased from 63.6% to 93.3%, and understanding of underlying causes and social determinants of health rose from 54.5% to 80%. CONCLUSION A brief virtual psychoeducational intervention significantly improved young adults’ understanding of psychosocial stress and infant mortality. These findings highlight the value of early, community-centered education in strengthening preconception health literacy and reducing future maternal and infant health disparities. Future studies should assess long-term retention and the impact of repeated or expanded interventions. Grant Support :: This work is supported by an appropriation from the TN Legislative Black Caucus To stay up-to-date with more health equity news, follow: #XULACon #1JGCollabs