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Tang ID, Mallia D, Yan Q, Pe'er I, Raja A, Salleb-Aouissi A, Wapner R. A Scoping Review of Preterm Birth Risk Factors. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2804-e2817. [PMID: 37748506 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, but its etiology and risk factors are poorly understood. We undertook a scoping review to illustrate the breadth of risk factors for preterm birth that have been reported in the literature. We conducted a search in the PubMed database for articles published in the previous 5 years. We determined eligibility for this scoping review by screening titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review. We extracted odds ratios and other measures of association for each identified risk factor in the articles. A total of 2,509 unique articles were identified from the search, of which 314 were eligible for inclusion in our final analyses. We summarized risk factors and their relative impacts in the following categories: Activity, Psychological, Medical History, Toxicology, Genetics, and Vaginal Microbiome. Many risk factors for preterm birth have been reported. It is challenging to synthesize findings given the multitude of isolated risk factors that have been studied, inconsistent definitions of risk factors and outcomes, and use of different covariates in analyses. Novel methods of analyzing large datasets may promote a more comprehensive understanding of the etiology of preterm birth and ability to predict the outcome. KEY POINTS: · Preterm birth is difficult to predict.. · Preterm birth has many diverse risk factors.. · Holistic approaches may yield new insights..
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene D Tang
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Daniel Mallia
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, New York, New York
| | - Qi Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Itsik Pe'er
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Anita Raja
- Department of Computer Science, Hunter College, New York, New York
| | | | - Ronald Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
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2
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Lawson Y, Comerford KB, Mitchell EP. A review of dairy food intake for improving health for black women in the US during pregnancy, fetal development, and lactation. J Natl Med Assoc 2024; 116:219-227. [PMID: 38368233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Pregnancy and lactation are special life stages that require regular nutritional and medical attention to help protect the health of the mother and promote the growth and development of the offspring. Despite an increased focus on maternal and fetal health over the last several decades, the rates of pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality are increasing in the United States (US). On average, Black women who are pregnant or lactating face greater health disparities and birth complications than other racial/ethnic groups in the US. The issues contributing to these disparities are multi-faceted and include sociocultural, economic, medical, and dietary factors. For example, Black women face greater rates of food insecurity, worse access to healthcare, and lower nutrient status when compared to White women. A growing body of research suggests that consuming a healthier dietary pattern is one of the most potent modifiable risk factors associated with improved fertility and reducing pregnancy-related complications. Recent publications have also shed light on the role of dairy foods in improving diet quality and nutrient status among Black women and for impacting maternal and fetal health outcomes, such as preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and fetal growth. To support healthy pregnancy and lactation, the current national dietary guidelines recommend the consumption of 3 servings of dairy foods per day. However, the vast majority of Black women in the US are falling short of these recommendations and are not meeting nutrient requirements for calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, strategies that target misconceptions surrounding lactose intolerance and focus on the health value of adequate dairy intake among Black women of child-bearing age may benefit both prenatal and postpartum health. This review presents the current evidence on health disparities faced by pregnant and lactating Black women in the US, and the role of dairy foods in supporting healthy pregnancy, fetal development, and lactation outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Lawson
- FACOG, Associate Attending, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Kevin B Comerford
- OMNI Nutrition Science, California Dairy Research Foundation, Davis, CA, United States.
| | - Edith P Mitchell
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer at Jefferson, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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3
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Patel I, Dev A. What is prenatal stress? A scoping review of how prenatal stress is defined and measured within the context of food insecurity, housing instability, and immigration in the United States. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231191091. [PMID: 37596926 PMCID: PMC10440065 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231191091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress during pregnancy can lead to significant adverse outcomes for maternal mental health. Early evaluation of prenatal stress can help identify treatment needs and appropriate interventions. Disparities in the social determinants of health can contribute to stress, but what constitutes stress during pregnancy within the social determinants of health framework is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To scope how prenatal stress is defined and measured among pregnant people exposed to three prominent social stressors in the United States: insecurity pertaining to food, housing, and immigration. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included all studies that focused on stress during pregnancy in the context of food insecurity, housing instability, and immigration, given their recent policy focus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing political discourse, in addition to their importance in American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG's) social determinants of health screening tool. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2012 and January 2022. CHARTING METHODS Using a piloted charting tool, we extracted relevant study information from the selected articles and analyzed the content pertaining to stress. RESULTS An initial search identified 1,023 articles, of which 24 met our inclusion criteria. None of the studies defined prenatal stress, and only one used the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire, a prenatal stress-specific tool to measure it. The Perceived Stress Scale was the most common instrument used in seven studies. Fifteen studies measured over 25 alternative exposures that researchers theorized were associated with stress, and 4 of the 15 studies did not explain the association between the measure and stress. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate a fundamental inconsistency in how prenatal stress is defined and measured in the context of social determinants of health, limiting the comparison of results across studies and the potential development of effective interventions to promote better maternal mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishani Patel
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA
| | - Alka Dev
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, Hanover, IL, USA
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Diemer MC, Gerstein ED, Regester A. Autism presentation in female and Black populations: Examining the roles of identity, theory, and systemic inequalities. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:1931-1946. [PMID: 35899909 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221113501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Although the prevalence of autism has been rising in recent years, disparities in diagnosis still remain. Female and Black populations in the United States are diagnosed later, are more likely to have an intellectual disability, and are excluded from research as well as services designed for autistic individuals. Autistic Black girls are effectively invisible in the current scientific literature. Intersectional theory, which looks at a person as a whole, examines models that are inclusive toward diverse gender, ability, and racial/ethnic backgrounds. This theory may be a useful approach to clinical and research work with autism so that practitioners may be most effective for the whole population of autistic people. The authors recommend research focusing on inclusion of autistic populations with intellectual disability and research studies that include evaluations as part of the procedure. Clinically, the authors recommend a focus on screening all young children for autism and improving provider knowledge in working with diverse autistic populations.
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Ifatunji MA, Faustin Y, Lee W, Wallace D. Black Nativity and Health Disparities: A Research Paradigm for Understanding the Social Determinants of Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9166. [PMID: 35954520 PMCID: PMC9367942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
After more than a century of research and debate, the scientific community has yet to reach agreement on the principal causes of racialized disparities in population health. This debate currently centers on the degree to which "race residuals" are a result of unobserved differences in the social context or unobserved differences in population characteristics. The comparative study of native and foreign-born Black populations represents a quasi-experimental design where race is "held constant". Such studies present a unique opportunity to improve our understanding of the social determinants of population health disparities. Since native and foreign-born Black populations occupy different sociocultural locations, and since populations with greater African ancestry have greater genetic diversity, comparative studies of these populations will advance our understanding of the complex relationship between sociocultural context, population characteristics and health outcomes. Therefore, we offer a conceptual framing for the comparative study of native and foreign-born Blacks along with a review of 208 studies that compare the mental and physical health of these populations. Although there is some complexity, especially with respect to mental health, the overall pattern is that foreign-born Blacks have better health outcomes than native-born Blacks. After reviewing these studies, we conclude with suggestions for future studies in this promising area of social and medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mosi Adesina Ifatunji
- Departments of African American Studies and Sociology, College of Letters and Science, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Yanica Faustin
- Department of Public Health Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Elon University, Elon, NC 27244, USA;
| | - Wendy Lee
- Department of Sociology, College of Letters and Science, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI 54706, USA;
| | - Deshira Wallace
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
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Minhas AS, Boakye E, Obisesan OH, Kwapong YA, Zakaria S, Creanga AA, Vaught AJ, Mehta LS, Davis MB, Bello NA, Cainzos-Achirica M, Nasir K, Blaha MJ, Blumenthal RS, Douglas PS, Wang X, Sharma G. The Association of Preterm Birth With Maternal Nativity and Length of Residence Among Non-Hispanic Black Women. CJC Open 2021; 4:289-298. [PMID: 35386126 PMCID: PMC8978076 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth (PTB) is associated with future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and disproportionally affects non-Hispanic Black (NHB) women. Limited data exist on the influence of length of US residence on nativity-related disparities in PTB. We examined PTB by maternal nativity (US born vs foreign born) and length of US residence among NHB women. Methods We analyzed data from 2699 NHB women (1607 US born; 1092 foreign born) in the Boston Birth Cohort, originally designed as a case-control study. Using multivariable logistic regression, we investigated the association of PTB with maternal nativity and length of US residence. Results In the total sample, 29.1% of women delivered preterm (31.4% and 25.6% among US born and foreign born, respectively). Compared with foreign born, US-born women were younger (25.8 vs 29.5 years), had higher prevalence of obesity (27.6% vs 19.6%), smoking (20.5% vs 4.9%), alcohol use (13.2% vs 7.4%), and moderate to severe stress (73.5% vs 59.4%) (all P < 0.001). Compared with US-born women, foreign-born women had lower odds of PTB after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol use, stress, parity, smoking, body mass index, chronic hypertension, and diabetes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.97). Foreign-born NHB women with < 10 years of US residence had 43% lower odds of PTB compared with US-born (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.43-0.75), whereas those with ≥ 10 years of US residence did not differ significantly from US-born women in their odds of PTB (aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.54-1.07). Conclusions The prevalence of CVD risk factors and proportion of women delivering preterm were lower in foreign-born than US-born NHB women. The "foreign-born advantage" was not observed with ≥ 10 years of US residence. Our study highlights the need to intensify public health efforts in exploring and addressing nativity-related disparities in PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anum S. Minhas
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ellen Boakye
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Olufunmilayo H. Obisesan
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yaa A. Kwapong
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sammy Zakaria
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andreea A. Creanga
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Arthur J. Vaught
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Laxmi S. Mehta
- Division of Cardiology, the Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Melinda B. Davis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Natalie A. Bello
- Division of Cardiology, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Miguel Cainzos-Achirica
- Houston Methodist Hospital and DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Center for Outcomes Research, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Khurram Nasir
- Houston Methodist Hospital and DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Center for Outcomes Research, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael J. Blaha
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Roger S. Blumenthal
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Pamela S. Douglas
- Division of Cardiology, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Garima Sharma
- Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Corresponding author: Dr Garima Sharma, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine–Ciccarone Center of Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, 565 C Carnegie Building, 600 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Midlife black women are at a high risk for cardiovascular disease and experience higher morbidity and mortality rates. Chronic life stress contributes to the existent cardiovascular-related disparities for midlife black women. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe stress reduction strategies relevant to midlife black women, identify barriers, and generate ideas for the development of a stress reduction wellness intervention for midlife black women. METHODS A community advisory board consisting of 11 midlife black women from the Midwest was established and charged with exploring life stress and stress-related issues for women like themselves. The community advisory board was led through a series of focus group discussions using open-ended questions focused on stress reduction strategies used by midlife black women, what kept them from incorporating stress reduction strategies into their daily routines, and what would be helpful in a stress reduction routine. Discussions were audiotaped, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Stress reduction strategies identified included exercise, faith and prayer, self-care, sisterhood, volunteerism, and mindfulness. Barriers to adopting stress reduction behaviors included time, finances, physical limitations, health status, health insurance, and guilt. Suggested modes of delivery for an intervention included informative lectures and coaching, demonstration, team sessions, social media, and continued access. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study were consistent with those from a preliminary study focused on midlife black women from the West Coast. Recommendations will inform development of a stress reduction wellness intervention for midlife black women.
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Surkan PJ, Hong X, Zhang B, Nawa N, Ji H, Tang WY, Ji Y, Kimmel MC, Wang G, Pearson C, Wang X. Can social support during pregnancy affect maternal DNA methylation? Findings from a cohort of African-Americans. Pediatr Res 2020; 88:131-138. [PMID: 31349361 PMCID: PMC6982603 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0512-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While stress and the absence of social support during pregnancy have been linked to poor health outcomes, the underlying biological mechanisms are unclear. METHODS We examined whether adverse experiences during pregnancy alter DNA methylation (DNAm) in maternal epigenomes. Analyses included 250 African-American mothers from the Boston Birth Cohort. Genome-wide DNAm profiling was performed in maternal blood collected after delivery, using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 Beadchip. Linear regression models, with adjustment of pertinent covariates, were applied. RESULTS While self-reported maternal psychosocial lifetime stress and stress during pregnancy was not associated with DNAm alterations, we found that absence of support from the baby's father was significantly associated with maternal DNAm changes in TOR3A, IQCB1, C7orf36, and MYH7B and that lack of support from family and friends was associated with maternal DNA hypermethylation on multiple genes, including PRDM16 and BANKL. CONCLUSIONS This study provides intriguing results suggesting biological embedding of social support during pregnancy on maternal DNAm, warranting additional investigation, and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J. Surkan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,Corresponding author: Pamela J. Surkan, Social and Behavioral Interventions Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe St., Room E5523, Baltimore, MD, USA, 21205-2179. . Phone: 410-502-7396. Fax: 410-502-6733
| | - Xiumei Hong
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Boyang Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nobutoshi Nawa
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hongkai Ji
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wan-Yee Tang
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuelong Ji
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mary C. Kimmel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Guoying Wang
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Colleen Pearson
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,Division of General Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Concepts in preterm birth research: Interview with a stakeholder. Placenta 2020; 98:3-5. [PMID: 33039029 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth continues to be a clinical problem of vast significance all over the world [1,2]. The complexities of the biology of preterm birth suggest a syndrome with multiple factors that synchronize rupture of membranes, uterine contraction, cervical dilation, and labor. Multiple genetic, environmental, and basic biological factors are associated with preterm birth. Despite many years of effort, we still do not completely understand preterm birth, the basic mechanisms underlying parturition, or the relationship(s) between the two. My position has always been that breakthroughs in this area will come from an inclusive, integrative, and interdisciplinary approach that hears the voices of multiple stakeholders, encompasses "outside the box" thinking and utilizes novel methodologies. To document the voices of stakeholders, alternative thinking and the seeds of development of novel methodologies, I have begun to interview stakeholders in preterm birth. This is an interview with Ramkumar Menon, MS, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Perinatal Research, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Dr. Menon is past president and current Executive Director of PREBIC Global. He has surmounted considerable challenges to not only produce outstanding science from his own laboratory, but also to bring together collaborators and support from all over the world to bear upon the problem of preterm birth. What follows is an interview I did with him in 2014.
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Hoyt AT, Ramadhani T, Le MT, Shumate CJ, Canfield MA, Scheuerle AE. Acculturation and selected birth defects among non-Hispanic Blacks in a population-based case-control study. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:535-554. [PMID: 32134219 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are noted birth defects prevalence differences between race/ethnicity groups. For instance, non-Hispanic (NH) Black mothers are more likely to have an infant with encephalocele, although less likely to have an infant with anotia/microtia compared to NH Whites. When stratifying by nativity and years lived within the United States, additional variations become apparent. METHODS Data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study were used to calculate descriptive statistics and estimate crude/adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) among NH Blacks with one of 30 major defects and non-malformed controls. Total case/controls were as follows: U.S.- (2,773/1101); Foreign- (343/151); African-born (161/64). Study participants were also examined by number of years lived in the U.S. (≤5 vs. 6+ years). RESULTS Compared to U.S.-born, foreign-born NH Black controls tended to be older, had more years of education, and were more likely to have a higher household income. They also had fewer previous livebirths and were less likely to be obese. In the adjusted analyses, two defect groups were significantly attenuated: limb deficiencies, aORs/95%CIs = (0.44 [0.20-0.97]) and septal defects (0.69 [0.48-0.99]). After stratifying by years lived in the United States, the risk for hydrocephaly (2.43 [1.03-5.74]) became apparent among those having lived 6+ years in the United States. When restricting to African-born mothers, none of the findings were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Foreign-born NH Blacks were at a reduced risk for a few selected defects. Results were consistent after restricting to African-born mothers and did not change considerably when stratifying by years lived in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne T Hoyt
- Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | - Mimi T Le
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Charlie J Shumate
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Mark A Canfield
- Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Angela E Scheuerle
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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11
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Edwards BN, McLemore MR, Baltzell K, Hodgkin A, Nunez O, Franck LS. What about the men? Perinatal experiences of men of color whose partners were at risk for preterm birth, a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:91. [PMID: 32041561 PMCID: PMC7011522 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-2785-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth in the United States is associated with maternal clinical factors such as diabetes, hypertension and social factors including race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. In California, 8.7% of all live births are preterm, with African American and Black families experiencing the greatest burden. The impact of paternal factors on birth outcomes has been studied, but little is known about the experience of men of color (MOC). The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of MOC who are partners to women at medical and social risk for preterm birth. METHODS This study used a qualitative research design and focus group methods. The research was embedded within an existing study exploring experiences of women of color at risk for preterm birth conducted by the California Preterm Birth Initiative. RESULTS Twelve MOC participated in the study and among them had 9 preterm children. Four themes emerged from thematic analysis of men's experiences: (1) "Being the Rock": Providing comfort and security; (2) "It's a blessing all the way around": Keeping faith during uncertainty; (3) "Tell me EVERYTHING": Unmet needs during pregnancy and delivery; (4) "Like a guinea pig": Frustration with the healthcare system. Participants identified many barriers to having a healthy pregnancy and birth including inadequate support for decision making, differential treatment, and discrimination. CONCLUSIONS This study shows novel and shared narratives regarding MOC experiences during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods. Healthcare providers have an essential role to acknowledge MOC, their experience of discrimination and mistrust, and to assess needs for support that can improve birth outcomes. As MOC and their families are at especially high social and medical risk for preterm birth, their voice and experience should be central in all future research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany N Edwards
- Central California Faculty Medical Group/UCSF Fresno, 2625 E Divisadero St, Fresno, CA, 93721, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Olga Nunez
- California State University, Fresno, USA
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12
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Braveman P, Heck K, Egerter S, Dominguez TP, Rinki C, Marchi KS, Curtis M. Worry about racial discrimination: A missing piece of the puzzle of Black-White disparities in preterm birth? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186151. [PMID: 29020025 PMCID: PMC5636124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The causes of the large and persistent Black-White disparity in preterm birth (PTB) are unknown. It is biologically plausible that chronic stress across a woman's life course could be a contributor. Prior research suggests that chronic worry about experiencing racial discrimination could affect PTB through neuroendocrine, vascular, or immune mechanisms involved in both responses to stress and the initiation of labor. This study aimed to examine the role of chronic worry about racial discrimination in Black-White disparities in PTB. METHODS The data source was cross-sectional California statewide-representative surveys of 2,201 Black and 8,122 White, non-Latino, U.S.-born postpartum women with singleton live births during 2011-2014. Chronic worry about racial discrimination (chronic worry) was defined as responses of "very often" or "somewhat often" (vs. "not very often" or "never") to the question: "Overall during your life until now, how often have you worried that you might be treated or viewed unfairly because of your race or ethnic group?" Prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated from sequential logistic regression models, before and after adjustment for multiple social/demographic, behavioral, and medical factors, to estimate the magnitude of: (a) PTB risks associated with chronic worry among Black women and among White women; and (b) Black-White disparities in PTB, before and after adjustment for chronic worry. RESULTS Among Black and White women respectively, 36.9 (95% CI 32.9-40.9) % and 5.5 (95% CI 4.5-6.5) % reported chronic worry about racial discrimination; rates were highest among Black women of higher income and education levels. Chronic worry was significantly associated with PTB among Black women before (PR 1.73, 95% CI 1.12-2.67) and after (PR 2.00, 95% CI 1.33-3.01) adjustment for covariates. The unadjusted Black-White disparity in PTB (PR 1.59, 95%CI 1.21-2.09) appeared attenuated and became non-significant after adjustment for chronic worry (PR 1.30, 95% CI 0.93-1.81); it appeared further attenuated after adding the covariates (PR 1.17, 95% CI 0.85-1.63). CONCLUSIONS Chronic worry about racial discrimination may play an important role in Black-White disparities in PTB and may help explain the puzzling and repeatedly observed greater PTB disparities among more socioeconomically-advantaged women. Although the single measure of experiences of racial discrimination used in this study precluded examination of the role of other experiences of racial discrimination, such as overt incidents, it is likely that our findings reflect an association between one or more experiences of racial discrimination and PTB. Further research should examine a range of experiences of racial discrimination, including not only chronic worry but other psychological and emotional states and both subtle and overt incidents as well. These dramatic results from a large statewide-representative study add to a growing-but not widely known-literature linking racism-related stress with physical health in general, and shed light on the links between racism-related stress and PTB specifically. Without being causally definitive, this study's findings should stimulate further research and heighten awareness of the potential role of unmeasured social variables, such as diverse experiences of racial discrimination, in racial disparities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Braveman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Center on Social Disparities in Health, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Katherine Heck
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Center on Social Disparities in Health, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Susan Egerter
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Center on Social Disparities in Health, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Tyan Parker Dominguez
- School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Christine Rinki
- California Department of Public Health, Maternal Child, and Adolescent Health Division, Sacramento, CA, United States of America
| | - Kristen S. Marchi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Center on Social Disparities in Health, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Michael Curtis
- California Department of Public Health, Maternal Child, and Adolescent Health Division, Sacramento, CA, United States of America
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