Experiences of low-income rural pregnant Missouri women as they navigate the health care system [abstract]

Abstract

Early and adequate prenatal care is critical for the health of both the mother and her unborn child. Despite federal and state financial assistance, disparities remain in the quality and quantity of health care available to the rural poor. The purpose of this secondary analysis is to explore the barriers to health care access, including access to providers, transportation issues, and other influences on health service utilization among a sample of pregnant, low-income rural women.