Implications of racial/ethnic perinatal health inequities on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and health services utilization

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental science
• Public health
• Health equity

Background:

• Infants born preterm with low birth weight face higher risks for motor, cognitive, speech, and social challenges compared to term-born infants.
• Existing research shows disparities in preterm birth and short-term health issues across racial, ethnic, linguistic, and nativity groups.
• Limited understanding exists regarding how these disparities impact long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current knowledge on the effects of race, ethnicity, nativity, and language on long-term outcomes for preterm infants.
• It presents a framework for analyzing these inequities within broader social, political, and historical contexts.
• The review also offers recommendations for future research, interventions, and advocacy.

Key Points:

• Disparities in access to post-discharge support services for preterm infants are a significant concern.
• Unequal access may exacerbate existing gaps in health, development, and overall functioning.
• Understanding the influence of social determinants is crucial for addressing neurodevelopmental inequities.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to identify specific mechanistic pathways driving these long-term outcome disparities.
• Developing targeted interventions is essential to eliminate inequities in neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Advocacy and policy changes are critical to ensure equitable support and opportunities for all preterm infants.