Pre-pregnancy, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Health and Social Concerns of Haitian Immigrants

Abstract

Escalating political turmoil and violence in Haiti since 2021, coupled with United States (US) immigration policy changes in early 2023, have led to an influx of Haitian immigrants to the US. Scattered reports suggest that recent immigrants from Haiti have a high burden of medical and social needs. To better understand their health risks and social needs, we analyzed survey data from 35 Haitian-born, US-based postpartum individuals on topics related to pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum health. We calculated frequencies and odds ratios, and compared responses stratified by immigration year (before versus during/after 2021). Among the more recent immigrants, we identified a higher prevalence of hypertension in pregnancy (9/15, 60% versus 4/17, 24%; odds ratio 3.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.0–18.9)) and postpartum financial concerns (7/15, 47% versus 2/17, 12%; odds ratio 5.1 (1.3–46.3)). Our findings suggest that recent immigrants from Haiti may be at increased risk for adverse pregnancy and postpartum outcomes.