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Wright MA, Giurgescu C, Misra DP, Slaughter-Acey JC, Engeland CG. Neighborhood racial composition and experiences of racial discrimination: Associations with cytokines during pregnancy among African American women. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 35:100715. [PMID: 38193096 PMCID: PMC10771980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth rates are consistently higher in African American (AA) pregnancies compared to White pregnancies in the United States. Neighborhood racial composition, experiences of racial discrimination, and systemic inflammation are factors that have been associated with preterm birth and other adverse pregnancy outcomes that may account for these disparities. Here, we investigated whether perceived neighborhood racial composition and experiences of discrimination were predictive of cytokine levels during pregnancy among AA individuals. Methods 545 AA individuals completed surveys and had blood samples collected at prenatal clinics in the Midwest at three timepoints (8-18,19-29, and 30-36 weeks gestation) throughout pregnancy. Pro-inflammatory [interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)] and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were quantified. Multivariate and multilevel models were used to examine associations of perceived neighborhood racial composition and experiences of racial discrimination with cytokine levels, controlling for relevant covariates. Results Perceived neighborhood racial composition was significantly associated with MIF at 30-36 weeks gestation in multivariate regression (p < 0.001). Living in neighborhoods with more compared to fewer White people was predictive of higher levels of MIF (b = 0.599, SE = 0.12, p < 0.001). Experiences of discrimination were also associated with higher levels of MIF (β = 0.141, SE = 0.07, p = 0.036). Neither predictor was associated with other cytokines. Follow-up analyses revealed that neighborhood racial composition was also predictive of higher MIF levels at 8-18 weeks gestation (p = 0.02) and at 19-29 weeks gestation (p = 0.04). Conclusions Living in neighborhoods with more White individuals and having more lifetime experiences of racial discrimination were positively related to levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, MIF, among pregnant AA individuals. MIF's known positive relationships with chronic stress and preterm birth suggest that these elevations in MIF may have negative health consequences. Future studies should explore whether MIF serves as a pathway between neighborhood racial composition or experiences of racial discrimination and preterm birth risk among AA individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly A. Wright
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Carmen Giurgescu
- College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Dawn P. Misra
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Jaime C. Slaughter-Acey
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christopher G. Engeland
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Lenze SN, McKay-Gist K, Paul R, Tepe M, Mathews K, Kornfield S, Phillips C, Smith R, Stoermer A, Carter EB. Elevating Voices, Addressing Depression, Toxic Stress, and Equity Through Group Prenatal Care: A Pilot Study. Health Equity 2024; 8:87-95. [PMID: 38287981 PMCID: PMC10823176 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Elevating Voices, Addressing Depression, Toxic Stress and Equity (EleVATE) is a group prenatal care (GC) model designed to improve pregnancy outcomes and promote health equity for Black birthing people. This article outlines the foundational community-engaged process to develop EleVATE GC and pilot study results. Methods We used community-based participatory research principles and the Ferguson Commission Report to guide creation of EleVATE GC. The intervention, designed by and for Black birthing people, centers trauma-informed care, antiracism, and integrates behavioral health strategies into group prenatal care to address unmet mental health needs. Using a convenience sample of patients seeking care at one of three safety-net health care sites, we compared preterm birth, small for gestational age, depression scores, and other pregnancy outcomes between patients in individual care (IC), CenteringPregnancy™ (CP), and EleVATE GC. Results Forty-eight patients enrolled in the study (n=11 IC; n=14 CP; n=23 EleVATE GC) and 86% self-identified as Black. Patients participating in group prenatal care (EleVATE GC or CP) were significantly less likely to experience a preterm birth <34 weeks. Rates of small for gestational age, preterm birth <37 weeks, depression scores, and other pregnancy outcomes were similar across groups. Participants in CP and EleVATE GC were more likely to attend their postpartum visit and breastfeed at hospital discharge than those in IC. Discussion Our findings model a systematic approach to design a feasible, patient-centered, community-based, trauma-informed, antiracist intervention. Further study is needed to determine whether EleVATE GC improves perinatal outcomes and promotes health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon N. Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Rachel Paul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Katherine Mathews
- SSM Health St. Mary's and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sara Kornfield
- Center for Women's Behavioral Wellness, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cheron Phillips
- St. Louis Integrated Health Network, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Richelle Smith
- St. Louis Integrated Health Network, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Amanda Stoermer
- St. Louis Integrated Health Network, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ebony B. Carter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Liu SR, D’Anna-Hernandez K, Sandman CA, Poggi Davis E, Glynn LM. Discrimination and adverse birth outcomes among Latina women: The protective role of social support. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023:2024-22759-001. [PMID: 37930649 PMCID: PMC11070450 DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interpersonal discrimination has been associated with adverse birth outcomes among Black populations, but few studies have examined the impact of discrimination among Latinx/Hispanic populations in the United States, especially in conjunction with resources that could be protective. The present study examined (a) if exposure to discrimination is associated with adverse birth outcomes for Latina/Hispanic women and (b) if prenatal social support buffers these links. METHOD In two independent prospective studies of Latina/Hispanic women in Southern California (N = 84 and N = 102), the relation between maternal experience of discrimination and birth outcomes (length of gestation and birth weight) was examined. Additionally, social support was tested as a moderator of these relations. RESULTS In both Studies 1 and 2, exposures to discrimination predicted adverse birth outcomes. Specifically, lifetime experiences of major discrimination predicted lower birth weight. Additionally, in Study 2, chronic experiences of everyday discrimination were linked to lower birth weight. In Study 1, major discrimination also predicted shorter gestational length. Importantly, in both studies, the presence of prenatal social support buffered associations between discrimination and poorer birth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Findings implicate discrimination as an important risk factor for adverse birth outcomes among women of Latina/Hispanic descent. Further policies, practice, and research on reducing discrimination and enhancing factors that promote resilience such as social support are needed to facilitate healthy births among Latina/Hispanic women, mitigate intergenerational harm of discrimination-related stress, and advance health equity at birth and across the lifespan. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina R. Liu
- Department of Human Development, California State University San Marcos
| | | | - Curt A. Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California Irvine
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine
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4
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Woo J, Guffey T, Dailey R, Misra D, Giurgescu C. Vitamin D Status as an Important Predictor of Preterm Birth in a Cohort of Black Women. Nutrients 2023; 15:4637. [PMID: 37960290 PMCID: PMC10649077 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency (25 (OH)D < 20 ng/mL) is a modifiable risk factor that has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) (<37 weeks gestation). Black women are at a high risk for vitamin D deficiency due to higher melanin levels. Vitamin D sufficiency may be protective against PTB risk in Black women. Black participants between 8 and 25 weeks of gestation were included in this nested case-control study. The sample consisted of women who had either PTBs (n = 57) or term births, were selected based on maternal age compared to those who had PTBs (n = 118), and had blood samples available between 8 and 25 weeks of gestation. The women completed questionnaires about depressive symptoms and smoking behavior and had blood collected to determine their vitamin D levels. Gestational age at birth, hypertensive disorders, and body mass index (BMI) were collected from the medical records. The odds of PTB were increased by 3.34 times for participants with vitamin D deficiency after adjusting for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and depressive symptoms. Vitamin D assessment and supplementation may be an important intervention for preventing PTB in pregnant Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Woo
- College of Nursing, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas, TX 75235, USA
- Greene Center for Reproductive Biology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Thomas Guffey
- Center for Research Design and Analysis, Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX 76204, USA;
| | - Rhonda Dailey
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA;
| | - Dawn Misra
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48823, USA;
| | - Carmen Giurgescu
- College of Nursing, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA;
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Liu SR, Sandman CA, Davis EP, Glynn LM. Intergenerational risk and resilience pathways from discrimination and acculturative stress to infant mental health. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:899-911. [PMID: 35256027 PMCID: PMC9452603 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Preconception and prenatal stress impact fetal and infant development, and women of color are disproportionately exposed to sociocultural stressors like discrimination and acculturative stress. However, few studies examine links between mothers' exposure to these stressors and offspring mental health, or possible mitigating factors. Using linear regression, we tested associations between prenatally assessed maternal acculturative stress and discrimination on infant negative emotionality among 113 Latinx/Hispanic, Asian American, Black, and Multiethnic mothers and their children. Additionally, we tested interactions between stressors and potential pre- and postnatal resilience-promoting factors: community cohesion, social support, communalism, and parenting self-efficacy. Discrimination and acculturative stress were related to more infant negative emotionality at approximately 12 months old (M = 12.6, SD = .75). In contrast, maternal report of parenting self-efficacy when infants were 6 months old was related to lower levels of infant negative emotionality. Further, higher levels of parenting self-efficacy mitigated the relation between acculturative stress and negative emotionality. Preconception and prenatal exposure to sociocultural stress may be a risk factor for poor offspring mental health. Maternal and child health researchers, policymakers, and practitioners should prioritize further understanding these relations, reducing exposure to sociocultural stressors, and promoting resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina R Liu
- Conte Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Curt A Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Conte Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
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Christian LM, Webber S, Gillespie S, Strahm AM, Schaffir J, Gokun Y, Porter K. Maternal Depressive Symptoms, Sleep, and Odds of Spontaneous Early Birth: Implications for Racial Inequities in Birth Outcomes. Sleep 2021; 44:6279824. [PMID: 34019675 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Delivery prior to full term affects 37% of US births, including ~400,000 preterm births (<37 weeks) and >1,000,000 early term births (37-38 weeks). Approximately 70% of cases of shortened gestation are spontaneous - without medically-indicated cause. Elucidation of modifiable behavioral factors would have considerable clinical impact. METHODS This study examined the role of depressive symptoms and sleep quality in predicting the odds of spontaneous shortened gestation among 317 women (135 Black, 182 White) who completed psychosocial assessment in mid-pregnancy. RESULTS Adjusting for key covariates, Black women had 1.89 times higher odds of spontaneous shortened gestation compared to White women (OR (95% CI) = 1.89 (1.01, 3.53), p=0.046). Women who reported only poor subjective sleep quality (PSQI > 6) or only elevated depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16) exhibited no statistically significant differences in odds of spontaneous shortened gestation compared to those with neither risk factor. However, women with comorbid poor sleep and depressive symptoms exhibited markedly higher odds of spontaneous shortened gestation than those with neither risk factor [39.2% versus 15.7%, [OR (95% CI) = 2.69 (1.27, 5.70), p = 0.01]. A higher proportion of Black women met criteria for both risk factors (23% of Black women versus 11% of White women; p=0.004), with a lower proportion experiencing neither risk factor (40.7% of Black versus 64.3% of White women; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Additive effects of poor subjective sleep quality and depressive symptoms were observed with markedly higher odds of spontaneous shortened gestation among women with both risk factors. Racial inequities in rates of comorbid exposure corresponded with inequities in shortened gestation. Future empirical studies and intervention efforts should consider the interactive effects of these commonly co-morbid exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Christian
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shannon Webber
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Anna M Strahm
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jonathan Schaffir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Yevgeniya Gokun
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kyle Porter
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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