Health-related socioeconomic risk screening in outpatient obstetrics and gynecology practice

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated socioeconomic barriers to health among people seeking obstetrical and gynecologic care, including cisgender women and transgender patients. Increased socioeconomic vulnerability in these populations is associated with alarmingly high rates of mental health problems observed during the pandemic. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that healthcare providers screen and refer for health-related socioeconomic risk factors (HRSRs) as a means to provide more effective care, improve individual health outcomes, and reduce population-level inequities in reproductive health. Previous studies have established the appropriateness of HRSR screening among primary care patients and caregivers of pediatric patients. To complement the ACOG recommendation, this study examined how obstetrical and gynecologic patients perceive HRSR screening and documentation.