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Public perceptions about prematurity: a national survey.
Holly A Massett1, Marion Greenup, Colleen E Ryan
1Health and Social Marketing, Porter Novelli, Washington, DC, USA.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|February 6, 2003
Summary
Most US adults underestimate the prevalence and seriousness of preterm birth, a significant public health issue. Public perception often wrongly blames maternal behavior for premature births, hindering prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Health Communication
Background:
- Over 460,000 preterm births occur annually in the US, with significant racial/ethnic disparities.
- Public knowledge and attitudes regarding preterm birth are not well understood.
- Existing evidence suggests potential public misconceptions about prematurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess US adults' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about preterm birth.
- To examine racial/ethnic differences in perceptions of preterm birth among women.
- To compare women's and men's attitudes towards preterm birth.
Main Methods:
- National telephone survey of 1967 US adults conducted in 2002.
- Oversampling of black and Hispanic women to ensure adequate representation.
- Analysis of responses to gauge knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding preterm birth.
Main Results:
- Preterm birth was rarely identified as a critical issue by women (<1%).
- A minority perceived prematurity as common (34% women, 31% men) or serious (38% women, 25% men).
- Black and Hispanic women reported higher perceptions of prematurity's commonality and seriousness; most attributed births to maternal behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Despite high rates, most US adults do not view preterm birth as a serious public health concern.
- Public largely attributes preterm birth to maternal prenatal behaviors, overlooking complex etiologies.
- Prevalent misperceptions about preterm birth may hinder future research and prevention initiatives.