GW: History of Maternal and Child Health

Course Description

This comprehensive course delves into the often-overlooked yet crucial role of women's health, maternal health, and child health in the broader context of public health history. The course explores how historical, social, and cultural views of women's roles have significantly influenced women's health and healthcare access, contributing to global health inequities experienced by women and MCH (Maternal and Child Health) populations.

What Students Will Learn

• Understand the historical, cultural, and social factors influencing women's and girls' health
• Analyze how past perceptions of women's health continue to impact the quality of care for MCH populations
• Identify multilevel factors perpetuating health inequities and disparities for women and girls
• Explore the complex relationship between gender, health, and society
• Develop a critical understanding of healthcare access and utilization for women, youth, and children

Prerequisites

This introductory-level course has no prerequisites, making it accessible to anyone interested in women's health, maternal and child health, and public health history.

Course Content

• Historical context of women's health and its impact on modern healthcare
• Social and cultural influences on women's roles in healthcare
• Political factors affecting women's health and healthcare access
• Health inequities and disparities in MCH populations
• Multilevel factors perpetuating health disparities for women and girls
• The relationship between historical understandings and current quality of care
• Equitable healthcare access and utilization for women, youth, and children
• Gender-specific health issues and their broader implications

Who This Course Is For

• Public health students and professionals
• Healthcare providers interested in women's and children's health
• Social workers and community health advocates
• Policy makers and researchers in health equity
• Anyone passionate about understanding and addressing gender-based health disparities

Real-World Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course can be applied in various real-world settings:

1. Developing more inclusive and equitable healthcare policies
2. Designing targeted interventions to address health disparities in MCH populations
3. Improving healthcare delivery and access for women, youth, and children
4. Conducting research on gender-specific health issues and their societal impacts
5. Advocating for better healthcare resources and support for underserved populations
6. Enhancing cultural competence in healthcare settings
7. Informing public health campaigns and education initiatives
8. Contributing to global efforts in improving maternal and child health outcomes

Course Information

This course is part of the MicroMasters® Program in Maternal and Child Health, providing a solid foundation for further studies in this critical field. By understanding the historical and social contexts of women's health, learners will be better equipped to address current challenges and work towards a more equitable healthcare system for all.