Success of Maternal and Child Health Pipeline Training Programs: Alumni Survey Results

• Published in: Maternal and child health journal Vol. 26; no. Suppl 1; pp. 69 - 77
• Main Authors: Fernandes, Priyanka, Wang, Karina, Timmerman, Jason, Reyes, Angela, Holmes, Faye, Olaleye, Omonike A., Salihu, Hamisu M., Moerchen, Victoria A., Belcher, Harolyn M. E., Copeland-Linder, Nikeea, Noble, Charlotte A., Vamos, Cheryl A., Armstrong, Anna, Waters, Catrina R., Long-White, Deneen, Brown, Claudia, Reddy, Madhavi M., Kuo, Alice
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-08-2022; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Career development planning; Careers; Child health services; Childrens health; From the Field; Gynecology; Management; Maternal & child health; Maternal and Child Health; Maternal health services; Medical personnel; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Pediatrics; Population Economics; Public Health; Sociology; Success; Training; United States; Evaluation; Maternal and child health; Pipeline training programs; Undergraduate students; Maternal and child health bureau; Success
• ISSN: 1092-7875; 1573-6628
• DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03458-7

Introduction
The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Pipeline Training Program, promotes development of a diverse health workforce by training undergraduate students from underrepresented minorities. We aimed to evaluate the success of this program based on three domains: (1) demographic characteristics, (2) academic and career development, and (3) attitudes towards the field of MCH and the training programs among graduates.
Methods
Three domains of success were determined through a collaborative effort between current program directors and the funding agency project officers. The survey with questions related to the three domains was distributed via an online platform to graduates from seven sites (one former site and six current sites). Data were analyzed and presented utilizing descriptive statistics.
Results
The survey was distributed to 550 graduates, 162 responded (37% response rate). Demographically, 78% were female, 54% were Black/African American, 22% were Latinx and 83% did not report any disability. Eighty percent of respondents applied to graduate/professional schools, 67% received admission. Graduates often continued to work in MCH fields (70%). Majority felt confident and knowledgeable in the field (89%) and agreed the faculty were supportive at their training sites (90%).
Conclusion
The study highlights successes in recruiting from underrepresented minorities, particularly Black/African Americans and first-time college goers in the family into the MCH Pipeline Training Programs. Programs were successful in furthering academic and career development for most trainees. Attitudes towards MCH and the training programs were overwhelmingly positive. Continued support of these programs is critical in addressing health disparities and achieving health equity.