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Published on: January 12, 2018
Racial Disparities in Preterm Birth among Pregnant Women with Obesity
Anuoluwapo Egbejimi1, Veronica Ajewole, Deepa Dongarwar2
1From the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Texas Southern University, Houston.
Obesity exacerbates racial disparities in preterm birth (PTB), with non-Hispanic Black women facing the highest risk. This study highlights significant health inequities impacting the Black population.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Racial disparities in preterm birth (PTB) are a significant public health concern in the United States.
- Obesity is a known risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, but its role in widening racial disparities in PTB requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of obesity on preterm birth (PTB) among different racial groups in the U.S.
- To determine if obesity exacerbates the racial-ethnic disparity gap in PTB, focusing on non-Hispanic Black and White women.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted using U.S. birth data from 2014-2019.
- Data included 14,864,844 births, analyzed for associations between obesity, race, and PTB.
Main Results:
- Preterm birth (PTB) rates were higher among non-Hispanic Black women compared to non-Hispanic White and Hispanic women.
- A dose-dependent relationship was observed between high body mass index (obesity) and increased PTB risk.
- Significant racial disparities in PTB persisted among obese pregnant women, with non-Hispanic Black women showing the highest risk.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is a critical factor contributing to the disproportionately high rates of preterm birth (PTB) among non-Hispanic Black women.
- The findings underscore the existence of persistent health disparities affecting the Black population in maternal and infant outcomes.
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