Developing a Maternal Health Education and Research Training Program for High School, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences Students

Grace Olorunyomi, Cecilia Torres, Kennedi Norwood, Lashondra Taylor, Jazmyne Jones, Kimberly Pounds, Kehinde Idowu, Dominique Guinn, Denae King, Veronica Ajewole-Mwema, Ivy Poon () and Esther Olaleye ()
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Grace Olorunyomi: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Cecilia Torres: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Kennedi Norwood: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Lashondra Taylor: Independent Researcher, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Jazmyne Jones: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Kimberly Pounds: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Kehinde Idowu: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Dominique Guinn: College of Education, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Denae King: Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Veronica Ajewole-Mwema: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Ivy Poon: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Esther Olaleye: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-10

Abstract: Maternal mortality and morbidity are critical health challenges in the U.S., and building the perinatal workforce is a key to providing high-quality maternal medical care and services. Texas Southern University (TSU), home to a Doctor of Pharmacy program, launched the first Maternal Health Education and Research Training (MHERT) program to educate a cohort of high school, pharmacy, and health sciences students. Aiming to raise awareness of maternal health issues, build research skills, and promote action-based solutions. MHERT integrated online self-paced interactive lessons with hands-on research or community projects. Topics included maternal health epidemiology, causes of morbidity and mortality, research methods, literature reviews, and the development of action plans addressing maternal health challenges. Assessment tools included quizzes, open-ended reflection responses, training surveys, and course evaluations. Running from 3 June to 26 July 2024, the program enrolled 22 students. All participants completed both course components. Course evaluations showed strong and consistent satisfaction with the program, with teaching effectiveness rated at 95% and 96% for mid-program and final evaluations, respectively. MHERT enhanced participants’ understanding of maternal health, improved research skills, and encouraged community engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. It offers a scalable model to strengthen public health education among high school, pharmacy, and health sciences students.

Keywords: maternal health; maternal education; research training; community engagement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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