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Disproportionate Preterm Delivery Among Black Women: a State-Level Analysis.
Palmira Santos1, Gitanjali Joglekar2, Kristen Faughnan2
1Brandeis University, 415 South Street MS035, Waltham, MA, 02454-9110, USA. psantos@brandeis.edu.
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
|November 27, 2019
Summary
Black women face significantly higher preterm delivery risks, with 32 states showing increased danger compared to the lowest-risk state. This disparity highlights the impact of racism on maternal and infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Reproductive Health
- Sociomedical Sciences
Background:
- Preterm delivery rates are disproportionately high among Black women in the USA.
- Existing research links this disparity to chronic stress from racism.
- Infants born preterm face long-term health and developmental challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine state-level variations in preterm delivery risk for Black women.
- To identify specific states associated with increased risk.
- To inform targeted interventions for reducing racial disparities in birth outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Logistic regression analysis was employed.
- Delivery state was analyzed as a primary risk factor.
- Clinical, economic, and demographic factors were controlled.
Main Results:
- 32 out of 35 analyzed states showed a statistically significant increased risk of preterm delivery for Black women.
- A continuum of preterm delivery risk across states was established.
- Significant geographical disparities in risk were identified.
Conclusions:
- State of residence is a significant factor in preterm delivery risk for Black women.
- Addressing racism and its health impacts is crucial for reducing disparities.
- State-level monitoring of preterm delivery is recommended to assess and address racial inequities.
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