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The Built Environment and Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Alexandra L Nowak1, Carmen Giurgescu
1Alexandra L. Nowak is PhD Student at College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. The author can be reached via e-mail at ag5836@wayne.edu Carmen Giurgescu is an Assistant Professor at College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
MCN. the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing
|October 19, 2016
Summary
Living in a poor-quality built environment is linked to adverse birth outcomes, especially for African American women. Healthcare providers should assess environmental conditions and offer mental health support to pregnant individuals.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Public Health
Background:
- The built environment significantly influences health outcomes.
- Poor-quality housing and neighborhood conditions are prevalent in many communities.
- Existing research suggests a link between environmental factors and birth outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies examining the relationship between poor-quality built environments and negative birth outcomes.
- To synthesize evidence on specific built environment factors and their impact on pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of quantitative studies.
- Searched Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and PsycINFO databases.
- Included studies measuring built environment aspects (e.g., housing damage, vacancy) and birth outcomes (e.g., preterm birth, low birthweight).
Main Results:
- Seven out of eight reviewed studies found a significant positive association between poor-quality built environments and negative birth outcomes.
- Key factors included property damage, housing deterioration, and physical disorder.
- Adverse outcomes studied were preterm birth, low birthweight, and small for gestational age.
Conclusions:
- Poor-quality built environments are associated with adverse birth outcomes, with a notable impact on African American women.
- Nurses and healthcare providers should assess the built environment's impact on pregnant patients.
- Referral for mental health evaluation and treatment is recommended for women experiencing stress or depression due to their environment.
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