title: Using an Optimality Index to Understand Perinatal Health Disparities: A Pilot Study With Latina Immigrants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study demonstrates preliminary evidence of the utility of an optimality index as a simple tool for monitoring complications across the perinatal period.
  
  
  METHODS
  The medical records of 147 Latina women participating in a preventive randomized controlled trial for perinatal depression were reviewed for outcomes across the perinatal period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Application of the optimality index found optimality scores ranging from 77.3% to 97.7% in a Latina immigrant population known to have low rates of low-birthweight infants and preterm birth. Optimality scores were significantly lower among women who had a preterm birth or low-birthweight infant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ability of optimality indices to capture within-group variability will allow for a more nuanced understanding of the antecedents and sequelae of negative birth outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasing reliance on electronic medical records will facilitate the calculation of optimality scores that can be used to track patterns of perinatal health disparities.
authors: The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA felisag@gwmail.gwu.edu.
authors: Felisa A
authors: FA
authors: Gonzales
authors: The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
authors: Huynh-Nhu
authors: HN
authors: Le
authors: Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
authors: Deborah F
authors: DF
authors: Perry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D018743:Perinatal Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000208:ethnology; D047928:Premature Birth / Q000208:ethnology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000208:ethnology
keywords: optimality; perinatal; postpartum; pregnancy; prenatal