Date of Award

Spring 3-29-2024

Embargo Period

4-19-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Health Administration

Department

Health Administration

College

College of Health Professions

First Advisor

Daniel Brinton

Second Advisor

Mary Dooley

Third Advisor

Jillian Harvey

Abstract

Maternal health impacts the well-being of society as it is commonly viewed as an indicator of public health welfare. Childbirth at an advanced maternal age (AMA) increases the likelihood of less favorable birth outcomes. As births to AMA women have increased over time, it is important to understand the impact age has on birth methods and birth outcomes. This research examined the proportion of births to women aged 20-25 years in comparison to AMA women aged 35-39 years in North Carolina from 2002-2017. The proportions of births to AMA women have increased over time despite increased risk and birth outcomes. An examination of longitudinal trends over 16 years showed more births to women aged 20-25 years, accounting for 73.6% of total births between the 2 age groups. AMA women showed a higher rate of cesarean sections, stillbirths, and longer length of stay following childbirth.

Rights

Copyright is held by the author. All rights reserved.

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