By David Wise
FAYETTEVILLE — A study at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Community Health Centers of Arkansas, Inc. (CHCA) has been approved for a $17.5 million funding award by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to study and reduce prenatal inequities.
Arkansas is ranked worst for both maternal health outcomes and food insecurity among U.S. states and has the third highest infant mortality rate. Arkansas also has the second highest prevalence of overweight or obesity among women in the U.S., with about 65% of women in Arkansas being overweight or obese when they become pregnant. These women are at greater risk of excessive gestational weight gain and its associated complications.
A healthy diet during pregnancy promotes healthy weight gain; however, many pregnant women do not have access to such healthy foods as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. This is especially true for low-income, rural and food-insecure women who face financial and transportation barriers.
