1
|
Dilworth-Bart JE, Sankari T, Moore CF. A Multigenerational Model of Environmental Risk for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Children and Families. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:85001. [PMID: 39102348 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, public discourse has increasingly brought institutional and structural racism to the foreground of discussion on the well-being of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. Environmental toxicity in combination with the social triggers of institutional and structural racism are among the factors that shape the short- and long-term health of BIPOC Americans across multiple lifespans. OBJECTIVES We outline a 2 + Generation Model for examining the mechanisms through which institutional and structural racism promotes the intergenerational transmission of environmental health risk and family and interpersonal relationships across the life course and across multiple generations. We present the model's theoretical underpinnings and rationale, discuss model limitations and needed sources of data, and implications for research, policy, and intervention. DISCUSSION Parents and children are not only biologically linked in terms of transmission of environmental toxicities, but they are also linked socially and intergenerationally. The 2 + Generation Model foregrounds family and interpersonal relationships occurring within developmental contexts that are influenced by environmental toxicity as well as institutional and structural racism. In sum, the 2 + Generation Model highlights the need for an equity-first interdisciplinary approach to environmental health and redirects the burden of risk reduction away from the individual and onto the institutions and structures that perpetuate the racial disparities in exposure. Doing so requires institutional investment in expanded, multigenerational, and multimethod datasets. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13110.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janean E Dilworth-Bart
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thea Sankari
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Colleen F Moore
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Psychology, Montana State University-Bozeman, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barcelona V, Chen L, Zhao Y, Samari G, Monk C, McNeil R, Baccarelli A, Wapner R. Associations between Individual- and Structural-Level Racism and Gestational Age at Birth in the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be. J Urban Health 2024; 101:682-691. [PMID: 38992222 PMCID: PMC11329443 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-024-00889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between multilevel racism and gestational age at birth among nulliparous women. We conducted a secondary analysis of data of the nuMoM2b Study (2010-2013) to examine the associations between individual- and structural-level experiences of racism and discrimination and gestational age at birth among nulliparous women (n = 9148) at eight sites across the U.S. Measures included the individual Experiences of Discrimination (EOD) scale and the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE) to measure structural racism. After adjustment, we observed a significant individual and structural racism interaction on gestational length (p = 0.012). In subgroup analyses, we found that among those with high EOD scores, women who were from households concentrated in the more privileged group had significantly longer gestations (β = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.48, 2.06). Women who reported higher EOD scores and more economic privilege had longer gestations, demonstrating the moderating effect of ICE as a measure of structural racism. In conclusion, ICE may represent a modifiable factor in the prevention of adverse birth outcomes in nulliparas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Barcelona
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - LinQin Chen
- Mental Health Data Science Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 722 West 168Th Street, Room 210, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yihong Zhao
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Goleen Samari
- Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Catherine Monk
- Mental Health Data Science Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, 722 West 168Th Street, Room 210, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rebecca McNeil
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | | | - Ronald Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Borrowman JD, Unke M, Jones MA, Whitaker KM. A Qualitative Study Describing Experiences of Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:e338-e342. [PMID: 38729198 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Qualitatively assess experiences of occupational pregnancy discrimination. METHODS A fully remote phenomenological qualitative study was completed leveraging semistructured interviews with a sample of pregnant employees in the United States. Inclusion criteria included being pregnant, working at least 35 hours per week, employed at least 1 year at current employer, and without diagnosed depression/anxiety. RESULTS Participants (N = 20) were, on average, 30 years of age, worked 42.6 hours per week, self-identified as non-Hispanic black (50%), and earned least a bachelor's degree (85%). Individuals successfully identified various forms of pregnancy discrimination, believing it occurred due to systemic issues or perceptions that women are weak. Most did not report experiences of discrimination fearing retaliation or being unaware of workplace protections. CONCLUSION Pregnancy discrimination in the workplaces comes in various forms and is an issue for some working pregnant individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn D Borrowman
- From the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa (J.D.B., M.U., K.M.W.); and Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan (M.J.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Silva AD, Guida JPS, Santos DDS, Santiago SM, Surita FG. Racial disparities and maternal mortality in Brazil: findings from a national database. Rev Saude Publica 2024; 58:25. [PMID: 38985056 PMCID: PMC11196092 DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2024058005862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess maternal mortality (MM) in Brazilian Black, Pardo, and White women. METHODS We evaluated the maternal mortality rate (MMR) using data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health public databases from 2017 to 2022. We compared MMR among Black, Pardo, and White women according to the region of the country, age, and cause. For statistical analysis, the Q2 test prevalence ratio (PR) and confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS From 2017 to 2022, the general MMR was 68.0/100,000 live births (LB). The MMR was almost twice as high among Black women compared to White (125.81 vs 64.15, PR = 1.96, 95%CI:1.84-2.08) and Pardo women (125.8 vs 64.0, PR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.85-2.09). MMR was higher among Black women in all geographical regions, and the Southeast region reached the highest difference among Black and White women (115.5 versus 60.8, PR = 2.48, 95%CI: 2.03-3.03). During the covid-19 pandemic, MMR increased in all groups of women (Black 144.1, Pardo 74.8 and White 80.5/100.000 LB), and the differences between Black and White (PR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.64-1.95) and Black and Pardo (PR = 1.92, 95%CI: 1.77-2.09) remained. MMR was significantly higher among Black women than among White or Pardo women in all age ranges and for all causes. CONCLUSION Black women presented higher MMR in all years, in all geographic regions, age groups, and causes. In Brazil, Black skin color is a key MM determinant. Reducing MM requires reducing racial disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Dantas Silva
- Universidade Estadual de CampinasFaculdade de Ciências MédicasDepartamento de TocoginecologiaCampinasSPBrasil Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Departamento de Tocoginecologia. Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - José Paulo Siqueira Guida
- Universidade Estadual de CampinasFaculdade de Ciências MédicasDepartamento de TocoginecologiaCampinasSPBrasil Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Departamento de Tocoginecologia. Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Debora de Souza Santos
- Universidade Estadual de CampinasFaculdade de EnfermagemCampinasSPBrasil Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Enfermagem. Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Silvia Maria Santiago
- Universidade Estadual de CampinasFaculdade de Ciências MédicasDepartamento de Saúde ColetivaCampinasSPBrasil Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Departamento de Saúde Coletiva. Campinas, SP, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Garanhani Surita
- Universidade Estadual de CampinasFaculdade de Ciências MédicasDepartamento de TocoginecologiaCampinasSPBrasil Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas. Departamento de Tocoginecologia. Campinas, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kang E, Stowe N, Burton K, Ritchwood TD. Characterizing the utilization of doula support services among birthing people of color in the United States: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1588. [PMID: 38872108 PMCID: PMC11177381 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19093-6] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birthing people of color experience disproportionately higher rates of infant and maternal mortality during pregnancy and birth compared to their white counterparts. The utilization of doula support services may lead to improvements in the birthing experiences of birthing people of color. Yet, the research in this area is sparse. Thus, the purpose of this review is to characterize the research on doula utilization among birthing people of color, identify gaps in the field, and provide recommendations for future research. METHODS Utilizing PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a scoping review, searching PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1, 2016, to July 3, 2022. RESULTS Twenty-five articles met inclusion criteria. We identified the three themes characterizing included studies: (1) how doulas support (HDS) their clients, (2) doula support outcomes (DSO), and (3) considerations for implementing doula support services (CIDS). Despite doulas being described as agents of empowerment, and providing social support, education, and advocacy, birthing people of color reported low utilization of doula support services and findings regarding their effectiveness in improving birthing outcomes were mixed. CONCLUSIONS While some studies suggest that doulas may offer important services to birthing people of color, doulas are largely under-utilized, with many birthing people reporting low knowledge of their potential roles during the pre- and post-partum periods. Moreover, few studies were designed to assess intervention effects, limiting our ability to draw firm conclusions. Birthing people of color are at elevated risk for maternal mortality. As such, interventions are needed to support this population and improve outcomes. Our review suggests that, while doulas have the potential to make important contributions to the birthing support team, they are underutilized, and intervention studies are needed to enable estimates of their true effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nat'e Stowe
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Kelsey Burton
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Barreca JA. Exploring the Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Mental Health in Low Birthweight Children. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2024; 17:585-596. [PMID: 38938970 PMCID: PMC11199437 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00577-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Low birthweight is associated with poor health, developmental, and social outcomes throughout the lifespan. Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is also associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes in adulthood. The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between low birthweight (LBW), exposure to ACES, and subsequent utilization of mental health service. Data analysis was conducted using a subset of data from children ages 6-17 years from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) for 2018-2019 (n = 40,656). Welch ANOVA, Pearson's chi-square, and logistic regression investigated the relationship between LBW, ACEs, and mental health. LBW children in this sample had higher exposure to ACEs when compared to not low birthweight (NBW) children. LBW children also had a higher reported incidence of identified mental health (MH) issues. There was no significant association between birthweight and unmet MH service needs. LBW children with an ACE score or two or more were more likely to have an unidentified MH issue and/or an unmet MH service need. The results demonstrate LBW children experience higher levels of adversity. Children with ACE scores of two or more and those with unidentified MH issues have a higher likelihood of unmet MH needs. Professionals working in the health, education, and social service sectors can use this information to raise awareness of the increased vulnerability and more effectively meet the mental health needs of LBW children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A. Barreca
- Center for Interprofessional Education and Research, Saint Louis University, 1312 Carr Lane, Suite 110, St. Louis, MO 63104 USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Milligan K, Tarasoff LA, Rodrigues ER, Iwajomo T, Gomes T, de Oliveira C, Brown HK, Urbanoski KA. Neonatal outcomes of pregnant women attending integrated and standard substance use treatment programs in Ontario, Canada. Birth 2024; 51:284-294. [PMID: 37983747 DOI: 10.1111/birt.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use in pregnancy raises concern given its potential teratogenic effects. Given the unique needs of parenting people and the potential impact for developing children, specialized substance use treatment programs are increasingly being implemented for this population. Substance use treatment is associated with more positive neonatal outcomes compared with no treatment, however treatment models vary limiting our understanding of key treatment components/modelsFew studies have explored the influence of treatment model type (i.e., integrated treatments designed for pregnant clients compared with standard treatment models) and no studies have examined the influence of treatment model on neonatal outcomes using Canadian data. METHOD We conducted a population-based cohort study of clients who were pregnant when initiating integrated (n = 564) and standard (n = 320) substance use treatment programs in Ontario, Canada. RESULTS Neonatal outcomes did not significantly differ by treatment type (integrated or standard), with rates of adverse neonatal outcomes higher than published rates for the general population, despite receipt of adequate levels of prenatal care. While this suggests no significant impact of treatment, it is notable that as a group, clients engaged in integrated treatment presented with more risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes than those in standard treatment. While we controlled for these risks in our analyses, this may have obscured their influence in relation to treatment type. CONCLUSION Findings underscore the need for more nuanced research that considers the influence of client factors in interaction with treatment type. Pregnant clients engaged in any form of substance use treatment are at higher risk of having children who experience adverse neonatal outcomes. This underscores the urgent need for further investment in services and research to support maternal and neonatal health before and during pregnancy, as well as long-term service models that support women and children beyond the perinatal and early childhood periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Milligan
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lesley A Tarasoff
- Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erica R Rodrigues
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tomisin Iwajomo
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claire de Oliveira
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hilary K Brown
- Department of Health & Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen A Urbanoski
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Venkatesh KK, Perak AM, Wu J, Catalano P, Josefon JL, Costantine MM, Landon MB, Lancki N, Scholtens D, Lowe W, Khan SS, Grobman WA. Impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus on offspring cardiovascular health in early adolescence. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)00563-5. [PMID: 38703941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus, influence maternal cardiovascular health long after pregnancy, but their relationship to offspring cardiovascular health following in-utero exposure remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE To examine associations of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or gestational diabetes mellitus with offspring cardiovascular health in early adolescence. STUDY DESIGN This analysis used data from the prospective Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Study from 2000 to 2006 and the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Follow-Up Study from 2013 to 2016. This analysis included 3317 mother-child dyads from 10 field centers, comprising 70.8% of Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Follow-Up Study participants. Those with pregestational diabetes and chronic hypertension were excluded. The exposures included having any hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or gestational diabetes mellitus vs not having hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or gestational diabetes mellitus, respectively (reference). The outcome was offspring cardiovascular health when aged 10-14 years, on the basis of 4 metrics: body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol level, and glucose level. Each metric was categorized as ideal, intermediate, or poor using a framework provided by the American Heart Association. The primary outcome was defined as having at least 1 cardiovascular health metric that was nonideal vs all ideal (reference), and the second outcome was the number of nonideal cardiovascular health metrics (ie, at least 1 intermediate metric, 1 poor metric, or at least 2 poor metrics vs all ideal [reference]). Modified poisson regression with robust error variance was used and adjusted for covariates at pregnancy enrollment, including field center, parity, age, gestational age, alcohol or tobacco use, child's assigned sex at birth, and child's age at follow-up. RESULTS Among 3317 maternal-child dyads, the median (interquartile) ages were 30.4 (25.6-33.9) years for pregnant individuals and 11.6 (10.9-12.3) years for children. During pregnancy, 10.4% of individuals developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and 14.6% developed gestational diabetes mellitus. At follow-up, 55.5% of offspring had at least 1 nonideal cardiovascular health metric. In adjusted models, having hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio, 1.14 [95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.25]) or having gestational diabetes mellitus (adjusted risk ratio, 1.10 [95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.19]) was associated with a greater risk that offspring developed less-than-ideal cardiovascular health when aged 10-14 years. The above associations strengthened in magnitude as the severity of adverse cardiovascular health metrics increased (ie, with the outcome measured as ≥1 intermediate, 1 poor, and ≥2 poor adverse metrics), albeit the only statistically significant association was with the "1-poor-metric" exposure. CONCLUSION In this multinational prospective cohort, pregnant individuals who experienced either hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or gestational diabetes mellitus were at significantly increased risk of having offspring with worse cardiovascular health in early adolescence. Reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes and increasing surveillance with targeted interventions after an adverse pregnancy outcome should be studied as potential avenues to enhance long-term cardiovascular health in the offspring exposed in utero.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kartik K Venkatesh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
| | - Amanda M Perak
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Jiqiang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Patrick Catalano
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - Jami L Josefon
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Maged M Costantine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Mark B Landon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Nicola Lancki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Denise Scholtens
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - William Lowe
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - Sadiya S Khan
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, IL
| | - William A Grobman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Symanski E, Whitworth KW, Mendez-Figueroa H, Aagaard KM, Moussa I, Alvarez J, Chardon Fabian A, Kannan K, Walker CL, Coarfa C, Suter MA, Salihu HM. The Maternal and Infant Environmental Health Riskscape study of perinatal disparities in greater Houston: rationale, study design and participant profiles. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1304717. [PMID: 38712340 PMCID: PMC11070492 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1304717] [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] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Maternal and Infant Environmental Health Riskscape (MIEHR) Center was established to address the interplay among chemical and non-chemical stressors in the biological, physical, social, and built environments that disproportionately impact perinatal health among Black pregnant people in a large and diverse urban area with documented disparities in the U.S. Methods The MIEHR cohort is recruiting non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic white pregnant people who deliver their infants at major obstetric hospitals in Houston, Texas. At enrollment, all participants are asked to provide urine samples for chemical [metals, cotinine, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)] analyses and blood samples. A subset of the cohort is asked to provide oral and vaginal swabs, and fecal samples. Questionnaire and electronic health record data gather information about residential address history during pregnancy, pregnancy history and prenatal care, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, experiences of discrimination and stress, and sources of social support. Using information on where a participant lived during their pregnancy, features of their neighborhood environment are characterized. We provide summaries of key individual- and neighborhood-level features of the entire cohort, as well as for Black and white participants separately. Results Between April 2021 and February 2023, 1,244 pregnant people were recruited. Nearly all participants provided urine samples and slightly less than half provided blood samples. PAH exposure patterns as assessed on 47% of participants thus far showed varying levels depending on metabolite as compared to previous studies. Additionally, analyses suggest differences between Black and white pregnant people in experiences of discrimination, stress, and levels of social support, as well as in neighborhood characteristics. Discussion Our findings to date highlight racial differences in experiences of discrimination, stress, and levels of support, as well as neighborhood characteristics. Recruitment of the cohort is ongoing and additional neighborhood metrics are being constructed. Biospecimens will be analyzed for metals and PAH metabolites (urine samples), miRNAs (plasma samples) and the microbiome (oral swabs). Once enrollment ends, formal assessments are planned to elucidate individual- and neighborhood-level features in the environmental riskscape that contribute to Black-White disparities in perinatal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Symanski
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kristina W. Whitworth
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hector Mendez-Figueroa
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kjersti M. Aagaard
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Iman Moussa
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Juan Alvarez
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Adrien Chardon Fabian
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Cheryl L. Walker
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Melissa A. Suter
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hamisu M. Salihu
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Witcraft SM, Johnson E, Eitel AE, Moreland AD, King C, Terplan M, Guille C. Listening to Black Pregnant and Postpartum People: Using Technology to Enhance Equity in Screening and Treatment of Perinatal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01989-z. [PMID: 38605223 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), perinatal substance use disorders (PSUDs), and intimate partner violence (IPV) are leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. Screening and referral for PMADs, PSUDs and IPV is recommended, however, racial disparities are prominent: Black pregnant and postpartum people (PPP) are less likely to be screened and attend treatment compared to White PPP. We conducted qualitative interviews to better understand the experience of Black PPP who used a text/phone-based screening and referral program for PMADs/PSUDs and IPV-Listening to Women and Pregnant and Postpartum People (LTWP). We previously demonstrated that LTWP led to a significant reduction in racial disparities compared to in-person screening and referral, and through the current study, sought to identify facilitators of PMAD/PSUD symptom endorsement and treatment attendance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 68 Black PPP who were or had been pregnant within the last 24 months, and who either had or did not have a PMAD or PSUD. Participants were enrolled in LTWP and provided feedback on their experience. Using a grounded theory approach, four themes emerged: usability, comfort, necessity, and recommendations. Ease of use, brevity, convenience, and comfort in discussing mental health and substance use via text were highlighted. Need for a program like LTWP in Black communities was discussed, given the reduction in perceived judgement and access to trusted information and resources for PMADs/PSUDs, which may lessen stigma. These qualitative findings illuminate how technology-based adaptations to behavioral health screening and referral can reduce perceived negative judgment and facilitate identification and referral to treatment, thereby more adequately meeting needs of Black PPP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Witcraft
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, MSC 861, 29425, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Emily Johnson
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, 99 Jonathan Lucas Street, MSC 160, 29425, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Anna E Eitel
- College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, MSC 617, 29425, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Angela D Moreland
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, MSC 861, 29425, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Courtney King
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, MSC 861, 29425, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mishka Terplan
- Friends Research Institute, 1040 Park Avenue, Ste. 103, 21201, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Constance Guille
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 67 President Street, MSC 861, 29425, Charleston, SC, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave, 29425, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhong J, Lanier Y, Lyndon A, Kershaw T. Factors Associated with Family Functioning During Pregnancy by Adolescent and Young Adult Women. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:324-333. [PMID: 38596480 PMCID: PMC11002326 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Pregnancy represents a stressful period for both women and their families. Whether the family maintains functioning during pregnancy could have significant implications on maternal and child health. In this study, we explored individual- and family-level factors associated with family functioning in adolescent and young adult mothers. Methods This study was a secondary analysis of 295 young mothers, ages between 15 and 21 years. Multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to estimate adjusted odds ratios of exploratory factors on the risk of being in high family functioning group. The parent study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at Yale University. Results The mean score of family functioning was 5.14 out of 7. With the inclusion of individual-level factors (Model 1), significant associations were observed between high family functioning and having ever attended religious services (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.20-4.09), low perceived discrimination (OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.60-5.75), and high perceived social support (OR = 3.74, 95% CI: 2.01-6.95). After including both individual- and family-level factors (Model 2), results identified significant associations between high family functioning and annual household income>$15,000 (OR = 9.82, 95% CI: 1.67-57.67, p = 0.011) and no experience of violence from any family members (OR = 4.94, 95% CI: 1.50-16.21, p = 0.008). Discussion The models of care should be structured to support the continuity of maternity care in which health care providers have the opportunity to discover and utilize each family's strengths to provide the optimal caring experience for young mothers and their families as a unit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhong
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yzette Lanier
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Audrey Lyndon
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Trace Kershaw
- School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Martin SS, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, Anderson CAM, Arora P, Avery CL, Baker-Smith CM, Barone Gibbs B, Beaton AZ, Boehme AK, Commodore-Mensah Y, Currie ME, Elkind MSV, Evenson KR, Generoso G, Heard DG, Hiremath S, Johansen MC, Kalani R, Kazi DS, Ko D, Liu J, Magnani JW, Michos ED, Mussolino ME, Navaneethan SD, Parikh NI, Perman SM, Poudel R, Rezk-Hanna M, Roth GA, Shah NS, St-Onge MP, Thacker EL, Tsao CW, Urbut SM, Van Spall HGC, Voeks JH, Wang NY, Wong ND, Wong SS, Yaffe K, Palaniappan LP. 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2024; 149:e347-e913. [PMID: 38264914 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains. RESULTS Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.
Collapse
|
13
|
Del Pozzo J, Kouba I, Alvarez A, O'Sullivan-Bakshi T, Krishnamoorthy K, Blitz MJ. Environmental Justice Index and adverse pregnancy outcomes. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100330. [PMID: 38586614 PMCID: PMC10994970 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100330] [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] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Environmental Justice Index is a tool released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that quantifies and ranks the environmental burden and social vulnerability of each census tract. Racial and ethnic disparities in adverse pregnancy outcomes are well established. The relative contributions of individual (person-level) and environmental (neighborhood-level) risk factors to disease prevalence remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether the Environmental Justice Index is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after adjustment for individual clinical and sociodemographic risk factors. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all patients who delivered a singleton newborn at ≥23 weeks of gestation between January 2019 and February 2022 at 7 hospitals within a large academic health system in New York. Patients were excluded if their home address was not available, if the address could not be geocoded to a census tract, or if the census tract did not have corresponding Environmental Justice Index data. Patients were also excluded if they had preexisting diabetes or hypertension. For patients who had multiple pregnancies during the study period, only the first pregnancy was included for analysis. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the electronic medical record. Environmental Justice Index score, the primary independent variable, ranges from 0 to 1. Higher Environmental Justice Index scores indicate communities with increased cumulative environmental burden and increased social vulnerability. The primary outcome was adverse pregnancy outcome, defined as the presence of ≥1 of any of the following conditions: hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, low birthweight, small for gestational age newborn, placental abruption, and stillbirth. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate the relationship between Environmental Justice Index score and adverse pregnancy outcome, adjusting for potential confounding variables, including body mass index group, race and ethnicity group, advanced maternal age, nulliparity, public health insurance, and English as the preferred language. RESULTS A total of 65,273 pregnancies were included for analysis. Overall, adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 37.6% of pregnancies (n=24,545); hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (13.4%) and gestational diabetes (12.2%) were the most common adverse pregnancy outcome conditions. On unadjusted analysis, the strongest associations between Environmental Justice Index score and individual adverse pregnancy outcome conditions were observed for stillbirth (odds ratio, 1.079; 95% confidence interval, 1.025-1.135) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (odds ratio, 1.052; 95% confidence interval, 1.042-1.061). On multivariable logistic regression, every 0.1 increase in Environmental Justice Index score was associated with 1.4% higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.014; 95% confidence interval, 1.007-1.021). The strongest associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed with well-established clinical and social risk factors, including class 3 obesity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.710; 95% confidence interval, 1.580-1.849; reference: body mass index <25 kg/m2) and certain race and ethnicity groups (reference: non-Hispanic White), particularly Asian and Pacific Islander (adjusted odds ratio, 1.817; 95% confidence interval, 1.729-1.910), and non-Hispanic Black (adjusted odds ratio, 1.668; 95% confidence interval, 1.581-1.760) people. CONCLUSION Environmental Justice Index score is positively associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and most strongly associated with stillbirth and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Geospatial analysis with Environmental Justice Index may help to improve our understanding of health inequities by identifying neighborhood characteristics that increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Del Pozzo
- Northwell Health, New Hyde Park (Drs Del Pozzo and Kouba, Mr Alvarez, and Dr Blitz), NY
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, South Shore University Hospital (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Bay Shore, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Hempstead, NY
| | - Insaf Kouba
- Northwell Health, New Hyde Park (Drs Del Pozzo and Kouba, Mr Alvarez, and Dr Blitz), NY
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, South Shore University Hospital (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Bay Shore, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Hempstead, NY
| | - Alejandro Alvarez
- Northwell Health, New Hyde Park (Drs Del Pozzo and Kouba, Mr Alvarez, and Dr Blitz), NY
- Department of Biostatistics, Office of Academic Affairs, Northwell Health (Mr Alvarez), New Hyde Park, NY
| | - Tadhg O'Sullivan-Bakshi
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health (Mr. O'Sullivan-Bakshi and Ms. Krishnamoorthy), Manhasset, NY
| | - Kaveri Krishnamoorthy
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health (Mr. O'Sullivan-Bakshi and Ms. Krishnamoorthy), Manhasset, NY
| | - Matthew J. Blitz
- Northwell Health, New Hyde Park (Drs Del Pozzo and Kouba, Mr Alvarez, and Dr Blitz), NY
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, South Shore University Hospital (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Bay Shore, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine (Drs Del Pozzo, Kouba, and Blitz), Hempstead, NY
- Institute of Health Systems Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health (Dr Blitz), Manhasset, NY
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Barcelona V, Chen L, Zhao Y, Samari G, Monk C, McNeil R, Baccarelli AA, Wapner R. Associations between individual and structural level racism and gestational age at birth in the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring mothers-to-be. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3898223. [PMID: 38352522 PMCID: PMC10862945 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3898223/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between multilevel racism and gestational age at birth among nulliparous non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White and Hispanic women. We conducted a secondary analysis of data of the nuMoM2b Study (2010-2013) to examine the associations between individual and structural-level experiences of racism and discrimination and gestational age at birth among nulliparous women (n=7,732) at eight sites across the U.S. Measures included the individual Experiences of Discrimination (EOD) scale and the Index of Concentration (ICE) at the Extremes to measure structural racism. After adjustment,we observed a significant individual and structural racism interaction on gestational length (p=0.03). In subgroup analyses, we found that among these with high EOD scores, women who were from households concentrated in the more privileged group had significantly longer gestations (β = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.24, 1.90). Women who reported higher EOD scores and more economic privilege had longer gestations, demonstrating the moderating effect of ICE as a measure of structural racism. In conclusion, ICE may represent a modifiable factor in the prevention of adverse birth outcomes in nulliparas.
Collapse
|
15
|
Lucas A, Mlawer S, Weaver K, Caldwell J, Baig A, Zasadazinski L, Saunders M. Chicago Neighborhood Context and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Diabetes. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01892-z. [PMID: 38157197 PMCID: PMC11229170 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01892-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine if rates of maternal diabetes vary by race, ethnicity, and neighborhood hardship. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of live births in Chicago from 2010 to 2017. Our sample was restricted to Non-Hispanic White, Non-Hispanic Black, Mexican, Non-Hispanic Asian, and Other Hispanic mothers between the ages of 15 and 50, with singleton births. The addresses of mothers were geocoded to specific neighborhoods, which we stratified into tertiles using the Economic Hardship Index. We used generalized logit mixed models to examine the interaction between race/ethnicity, neighborhood economic hardship, and maternal diabetes. RESULTS In our cohort of 299,053 mothers, 4.75% were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Asian mothers had the highest frequency of gestational diabetes (8.3%), followed by Mexican mothers (6.8%). Within their respective racial/ethnic groups, Asian and Mexican mothers living in medium hardship neighborhoods had the highest odds of gestational diabetes compared to the reference group (OR 2.80, 95%CI 2.53, 3.19; OR 2.30, 95%CI 2.12, 2.49 respectively). Overall rates of preexisting diabetes were 0.9% and were highest among Mexican and Black mothers (1.26% and 1.06%, respectively). Asian mothers in medium hardship neighborhoods had the greatest odds of preexisting diabetes, among all Asian mothers and compared to the reference (OR 4.71 95% CI 3.60, 6.16). CONCLUSIONS For racial and ethnic minoritized mothers, gestational and preexisting diabetes do not increase in a step-wise fashion with neighborhood hardship; rates were often higher in low and medium hardship neighborhoods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anika Lucas
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Sophia Mlawer
- Data Science and Analytics, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Julia Caldwell
- Department of Public Health Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arshiya Baig
- General Internal Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Milda Saunders
- General Internal Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Borrowman JD, Krumboltz R, Jones M, Whitaker KM. Occupational Pregnancy Discrimination Is Associated With Negative Health Impacts for Pregnant Persons and Their Children. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e791-e796. [PMID: 37757779 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to examine associations between occupational pregnancy discrimination, maternal, and child health. METHODS A nationwide sample of individuals currently in their third trimester of pregnancy who worked full-time (>35 hr/wk) were recruited. Surveys were completed during the third trimester and 6 weeks postpartum. RESULTS Respondents ( N = 183) were mostly White (57.9%), had at least a bachelor's degree (60.8%), and worked 40.3 hr/wk. Occupational pregnancy discrimination increased the odds of clinically significant depressive/anxiety symptoms by 8% and 17%, respectively (odds ratio = 1.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.1; odds ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-1.2). Discrimination was also associated with postpartum depression occurrence ( P = 0.02). Social support level mitigated the association between pregnancy discrimination, depressive symptoms (β = 2.1, P < 0.01), and anxiety symptoms (β = 7.25, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Poorer mental health during and after pregnancy was associated with occupational pregnancy discrimination but effects were mitigated by social support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Dziewior Borrowman
- From the The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (J.D.B., R.K., K.M.W.); and Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan (M.J.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Doherty EA, Cartmell K, Griffin S, Heo M, Chen L, Britt JL, Crockett AH. Discrimination and Adverse Perinatal Health Outcomes: A Latent Class Analysis. Prev Chronic Dis 2023; 20:E96. [PMID: 37917614 PMCID: PMC10625434 DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.230094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An intersectionality framework recognizes individuals as simultaneously inhabiting multiple intersecting social identities embedded within systems of disadvantage and privilege. Previous research links perceived discrimination with worsened health outcomes yet is limited by a focus on racial discrimination in isolation. We applied an intersectional approach to the study of discrimination to examine the association with adverse perinatal health outcomes. METHODS We analyzed data from a cohort of 2,286 pregnant participants (Black, n = 933; Hispanic, n = 471; White, n = 853; and Other, n = 29) from the Centering and Racial Disparities trial. Perceived discrimination was assessed via the Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) and perinatal health outcomes collected via electronic medical record review. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of discrimination based on EDS item response and the rate of adverse perinatal health outcomes compared between subgroups using a Bolck, Croon and Hagenaars 3-step approach. RESULTS Four discrimination subgroups were identified: no discrimination, general discrimination, discrimination attributed to one or several social identities, and discrimination attributed to most or all social identities. Experiencing general discrimination was associated with postpartum depression symptoms when compared with experiencing no discrimination among Black (9% vs 5%, P = .04) and White participants (18% vs 9%, P = .01). White participants experiencing general discrimination gave birth to low birthweight infants at a higher rate than those experiencing no discrimination (11% vs 6%, P = .04). No significant subgroup differences were observed among Hispanic participants. CONCLUSION Perceived discrimination may play an influential role in shaping perinatal health. More research applying an intersectional lens to the study of discrimination and perinatal health outcomes is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Doherty
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
- Center of Rural Health, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Department of Public Health Sciences, 1111 W 17th St, Tulsa, OK 74107
| | - Kathleen Cartmell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
| | - Sarah Griffin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
| | - Moonseong Heo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
| | - Liwei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Jessica L Britt
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Amy H Crockett
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health, Greenville, South Carolina
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, South Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Paixao ES, Ferreira AJF, Pescarini JM, Wong KLM, Goes E, Fiaccone R, Lopes de Oliveira G, Reboucas P, Cardoso AM, Smeeth L, Barreto ML, Rodrigues LC, Ichihara MY. Maternal and congenital syphilis attributable to ethnoracial inequalities: a national record-linkage longitudinal study of 15 million births in Brazil. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1734-e1742. [PMID: 37858584 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00405-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study estimated ethnoracial inequalities in maternal and congenital syphilis in Brazil, understanding race as a relational category product of a sociopolitical construct that functions as an essential tool of racism and its manifestations. METHODS We linked routinely collected data from Jan 1, 2012 to Dec 31, 2017 to conduct a population-based study in Brazil. We estimated the attributable fraction of race (skin colour) for the entire population and specific subgroups compared with White women using adjusted logistic regression. We also obtained the attributable fraction of the intersection between two social markers (race and education) and compared it with White women with more than 12 years of education as the baseline. FINDINGS Of 15 810 488 birth records, 144 564 women had maternal syphilis and 79 580 had congenital syphilis. If all women had the same baseline risk as White women, 35% (95% CI 34·89-36·10) of all maternal syphilis and 41% (40·49-42·09) of all congenital syphilis would have been prevented. Compared with other ethnoracial categories, these percentages were higher among Parda/Brown women (46% [45·74-47·20] of maternal syphilis and 52% [51·09-52·93] of congenital syphilis would have been prevented) and Black women (61% [60·25-61·75] of maternal syphilis and 67% [65·87-67·60] of congenital syphilis would have been prevented). If all ethnoracial groups had the same risk as White women with more than 12 years of education, 87% of all maternal syphilis and 89% of all congenital syphilis would have been prevented. INTERPRETATION Only through effective control of maternal syphilis among populations at higher risk (eg, Black and Parda/Brown women with lower educational levels) can WHO's global health initiative to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of syphilis be made feasible. Recognising that racism and other intersecting forms of oppression affect the lives of minoritised groups and advocating for actions through the lens of intersectionality is imperative for attaining and guaranteeing health equity. Achieving health equality needs to be addressed to achieve syphilis control. Given the scale and complexity of the problem (which is unlikely to be unique to Brazil), structural issues and social markers of oppression, such as race and education, must be considered to prevent maternal and congenital syphilis and improve maternal and child outcomes globally. FUNDING Wellcome Trust, CNPq-Brazil. TRANSLATION For the Portuguese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enny S Paixao
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Andrêa J F Ferreira
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements & Population Health Equity, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julia M Pescarini
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Kerry L M Wong
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emanuelle Goes
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rosemeire Fiaccone
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Lopes de Oliveira
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Poliana Reboucas
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Liam Smeeth
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mauricio L Barreto
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Laura C Rodrigues
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and International Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Maria Yury Ichihara
- Centro de Integração de Dados e Conhecimentos para Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mohamoud YA, Cassidy E, Fuchs E, Womack LS, Romero L, Kipling L, Oza-Frank R, Baca K, Galang RR, Stewart A, Carrigan S, Mullen J, Busacker A, Behm B, Hollier LM, Kroelinger C, Mueller T, Barfield WD, Cox S. Vital Signs: Maternity Care Experiences - United States, April 2023. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2023; 72:961-967. [PMID: 37651304 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7235e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Maternal deaths increased in the United States during 2018-2021, with documented racial disparities. Respectful maternity care is a component of quality care that includes preventing harm and mistreatment, engaging in effective communication, and providing care equitably. Improving respectful maternity care can be part of multilevel strategies to reduce pregnancy-related deaths. Methods CDC analyzed data from the PN View Moms survey administered during April 24-30, 2023, to examine the following components of respectful care: 1) experiences of mistreatment (e.g., violations of physical privacy, ignoring requests for help, or verbal abuse), 2) discrimination (e.g., because of race, ethnicity or skin color; age; or weight), and 3) reasons for holding back from communicating questions or concerns during maternity (pregnancy or delivery) care. Results Among U.S. mothers with children aged <18 years, 20% reported mistreatment while receiving maternity care for their youngest child. Approximately 30% of Black, Hispanic, and multiracial respondents and approximately 30% of respondents with public insurance or no insurance reported mistreatment. Discrimination during the delivery of maternity care was reported by 29% of respondents. Approximately 40% of Black, Hispanic, and multiracial respondents reported discrimination, and approximately 45% percent of all respondents reported holding back from asking questions or discussing concerns with their provider. Conclusions and implications for public health practice Approximately one in five women reported mistreatment during maternity care. Implementing quality improvement initiatives and provider training to encourage a culture of respectful maternity care, encouraging patients to ask questions and share concerns, and working with communities are strategies to improve respectful maternity care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yousra A Mohamoud
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Elizabeth Cassidy
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Erika Fuchs
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Lindsay S Womack
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Lisa Romero
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Lauren Kipling
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Reena Oza-Frank
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Katharyn Baca
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Romeo R Galang
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Andrea Stewart
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Sarah Carrigan
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Jennifer Mullen
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Ashley Busacker
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Brittany Behm
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Lisa M Hollier
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Charlan Kroelinger
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Trisha Mueller
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Wanda D Barfield
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| | - Shanna Cox
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, CDC
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hwang SS, Bourque SL, Hannan KE, Passarella M, Radack J, Formanowski B, Lorch SA. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Among US Infants Born Preterm. J Pediatr 2023; 260:113498. [PMID: 37211205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate among US infants born at <37 weeks gestation (a) racial and ethnic disparities in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and (b) state variation in SUID rates and non-Hispanic Black (NHB)-non-Hispanic White (NHW) SUID disparity ratio. METHODS In this retrospective cohort analysis of linked birth and death certificates from 50 states from 2005 to 2014, SUID was defined by the following International Classification of Diseases, 9th or 10th edition, codes listed on death certificates: (7980, R95 or Recode 135; ASSB: E913, W75 or Recode 146; Unknown: 7999 R99 or Recode 134). Multivariable models were used to assess the independent association between maternal race and ethnicity and SUID, adjusting for several maternal and infant characteristics. The NHB-NHW SUID disparity ratios were calculated for each state. RESULTS Among 4 086 504 preterm infants born during the study period, 8096 infants (0.2% or 2.0 per 1000 live births) experienced SUID. State variation in SUID ranged from the lowest rate of 0.82 per 1000 live births in Vermont to the highest rate of 3.87 per 1000 live births in Mississippi. Unadjusted SUID rates across racial and ethnic groups varied from 0.69 (Asian/Pacific Islander) to 3.51 (NHB) per 1000 live births. In the adjusted analysis, compared with NHW infants, NHB and Alaska Native/American Indian preterm infants had greater odds of SUID (aOR, 1.5;[95% CI, 1.42-1.59] and aOR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.21-1.72]) with varying magnitude of SUID rates and NHB-NHW disparities across states. CONCLUSIONS Significant racial and ethnic disparities in SUID among preterm infants exist with variation across US states. Additional research to identify the drivers of these disparities within and across states is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sunah S Hwang
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO.
| | - Stephanie L Bourque
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Kathleen E Hannan
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Molly Passarella
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Joshua Radack
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Brielle Formanowski
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Scott A Lorch
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Davies-Tuck ML, Davey MA, Hodges RL, Wallace EM. Fetal surveillance from 39 weeks' gestation to reduce stillbirth in South Asian-born women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 229:286.e1-286.e9. [PMID: 36907532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.02.028] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In July 2017, the State of Victoria's largest maternity service implemented a new clinical guideline to reduce the rates of stillbirth at term for South Asian women. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the impact of offering fetal surveillance from 39 weeks to South Asian-born women on rates of stillbirth and neonatal and obstetrical interventions. STUDY DESIGN This was a cohort study of all women receiving antenatal care at 3 large metropolitan university-affiliated teaching hospitals in Victoria, who gave birth in the term period between January 2016 and December 2020. Differences in rates of stillbirth, neonatal deaths, perinatal morbidities, and interventions after July 2017 were determined. Multigroup interrupted time-series analysis was used to assess changes in rates of stillbirth and induction of labor. RESULTS A total of 3506 South Asian-born women gave birth before, and 8532 after the change in practice. There was a 64% reduction in term stillbirth (95% confidence interval, 87% to 2%; P=.047) after the change in practice from 2.3 per 1000 births to 0.8 per 1000 births. The rates of early neonatal death (3.1/1000 vs 1.3/1000; P=.03) and special care nursery admission (16.5% vs 11.1%; P<.001) also decreased. There were no significant differences in admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, 5-minute Apgar score <7, or birthweight, or differences in the trends of induction of labor per month. CONCLUSION Fetal monitoring from 39 weeks may offer an alternative to routine earlier induction of labor to reduce the rates of stillbirth without causing an increase in neonatal morbidity and attenuating trends in obstetrical interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary-Ann Davey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ryan L Hodges
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - Euan M Wallace
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia; Department of Health and Human Services, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Harper T, Kuohung W, Sayres L, Willis MD, Wise LA. Optimizing preconception care and interventions for improved population health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:438-448. [PMID: 36516911 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.12.014] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is growing literature indicating that optimal preconception health is associated with improved reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric outcomes. Given that preconception care is recommended for all individuals planning a pregnancy, medical providers and public health practitioners have a unique opportunity to optimize care and improve health outcomes for reproductive-aged individuals. Knowledge of the determinants of preconception health is important for all types of health professionals, including policy makers. Although some evidence-based recommendations have already been implemented, additional research is needed to identify factors associated with favorable health outcomes and to ensure that effective interventions are made in a timely fashion. Given the largely clinical readership of this journal, this piece is primarily focused on clinical care. However, we acknowledge that optimizing preconception health for the entire population at risk of pregnancy requires broadening our strategies to include population-health interventions that consider the larger social systems, structures, and policies that shape individual health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Harper
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Wendy Kuohung
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren Sayres
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mary D Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Siddika N, Song S, Margerison CE, Kramer MR, Luo Z. The impact of place-based contextual social and environmental determinants on preterm birth: A systematic review of the empirical evidence. Health Place 2023; 83:103082. [PMID: 37473634 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to systematically review the available empirical evidence examining associations between preterm birth (PTB) and five domains of place-based contextual social and environmental determinants, including (1) physical environment, (2) residential greenness, (3) neighborhood violence/crime, (4) food accessibility and availability, and (5) health services accessibility, among adult mothers in high-income countries. The evidence in this review suggests an adverse association between damaged physical environment, neighborhood violence/crime, lack of health services accessibility, and PTB. The existing evidence also suggests a beneficial effect of residential greenness on PTB. Further studies are needed to investigate these associations for more understanding of the direction and magnitude of these association and for potential heterogeneity by factors such as race/ethnicity, urban vs rural residence, immigration status, and social class.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazeeba Siddika
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, Fee Hall West Wing; 909 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Shengfang Song
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, Fee Hall West Wing; 909 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Claire E Margerison
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, Fee Hall West Wing; 909 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Michael R Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Zhehui Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, Fee Hall West Wing; 909 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bodnar LM, Odoms-Young A, Kirkpatrick SI, Naimi AI, Petersen JM, Martin CL. Experiences of Racial Discrimination and Periconceptional Diet Quality. J Nutr 2023; 153:2369-2379. [PMID: 37271415 PMCID: PMC10447608 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.05.028] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racism is a key determinant of perinatal health disparities. Poor diet may contribute to this effect, but research on racism and dietary patterns is limited. OBJECTIVE We aimed to describe the relation between experiences of racial discrimination and adherence to the 2015‒2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. METHODS We used data from a prospective pregnancy cohort study conducted at 8 United States medical centers (2010‒2013). At 6‒13 weeks of gestation, 10,038 nulliparous people with singleton pregnancies were enrolled. Participants completed a Block food frequency questionnaire, assessing usual diet in the 3 mo around conception, and the Krieger Experiences of Discrimination Scale, assessing the number of situational domains (e.g., at school and on the street) in which participants ever experienced racial discrimination. Alignment of dietary intake with the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. RESULTS The study showed that 49%, 44%, 35%, and 17% of the Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White participants reported experiences of racial discrimination in any domain. Most participants experienced discrimination in 1 or 2 situational domains. There were no meaningful differences in HEI-2015 total or component scores in any racial or ethnic group according to count of self-reported domains in which individuals experienced discrimination. For example, mean total scores were 57‒59 among Black, 61‒66 among White, 61‒63 among Hispanic, and 66‒69 among Asian participants across the count of racial discrimination domains. CONCLUSIONS This null association stresses the importance of going beyond interpersonal racial discrimination to consider the institutions, systems, and practices affecting racialized people to eliminate persistent inequalities in diet and perinatal health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Bodnar
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.
| | | | - Sharon I Kirkpatrick
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ashley I Naimi
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Julie M Petersen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Chantel L Martin
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ivey Henry P, Spence Beaulieu MR, Bradford A, Graves JL. Embedded racism: Inequitable niche construction as a neglected evolutionary process affecting health. Evol Med Public Health 2023; 11:112-125. [PMID: 37197590 PMCID: PMC10184440 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Racial health disparities are a pervasive feature of modern experience and structural racism is increasingly recognized as a public health crisis. Yet evolutionary medicine has not adequately addressed the racialization of health and disease, particularly the systematic embedding of social biases in biological processes leading to disparate health outcomes delineated by socially defined race. In contrast to the sheer dominance of medical publications which still assume genetic 'race' and omit mention of its social construction, we present an alternative biological framework of racialized health. We explore the unifying evolutionary-ecological principle of niche construction as it offers critical insights on internal and external biological and behavioral feedback processes environments at every level of the organization. We Integrate insights of niche construction theory in the context of human evolutionary and social history and phenotype-genotype modification, exposing the extent to which racism is an evolutionary mismatch underlying inequitable disparities in disease. We then apply ecological models of niche exclusion and exploitation to institutional and interpersonal racial constructions of population and individual health and demonstrate how discriminatory processes of health and harm apply to evolutionarily relevant disease classes and life-history processes in which socially defined race is poorly understood and evaluated. Ultimately, we call for evolutionary and biomedical scholars to recognize the salience of racism as a pathogenic process biasing health outcomes studied across disciplines and to redress the neglect of focus on research and application related to this crucial issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Ivey Henry
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Angelle Bradford
- Department of Physiology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Joseph L Graves
- Department of Biology, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Taibl KR, Liang D, Dunlop AL, Barr DB, Smith MR, Steenland K, Tan Y, Ryan PB, Panuwet P, Everson T, Marsit CJ, Kannan K, Jones DP, Eick SM. Pregnancy-related hemodynamic biomarkers in relation to trimester-specific maternal per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposures and adverse birth outcomes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121331. [PMID: 36813097 PMCID: PMC10023492 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The fate of environmental chemicals in maternal and fetal tissues might be affected by pregnancy-related hemodynamic changes that occur across gestation. Specifically, hemodilution and renal function are hypothesized to confound associations between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure measures in late pregnancy with gestational length and fetal growth. We sought to analyze two pregnancy-related hemodynamic biomarkers, creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as confounders of the trimester-specific relationships between maternal serum PFAS concentrations and adverse birth outcomes. Participants were enrolled in the Atlanta African American Maternal-Child Cohort between 2014 and 2020. Biospecimens were collected at up to two timepoints, which were categorized into the 1st trimester (N = 278; 11 mean weeks gestation), 2nd trimester (N = 162; 24 mean weeks gestation), and 3rd trimester (N = 110; 29 mean weeks gestation). We quantified six PFAS in serum, creatinine in serum and urine, and eGFR using the Cockroft-Gault equation. Multivariable regression models estimated the associations between single PFAS and their sum with gestational age at delivery (weeks), preterm birth (PTB, <37 gestational weeks), birthweight z-scores, and small for gestational age (SGA). Primary models were adjusted for sociodemographics. We additionally adjusted for serum creatinine, urinary creatinine, or eGFR in the confounding assessments. An interquartile range increase in perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) produced a non-significant reduction in birthweight z-score during the 1st and 2nd trimesters (β = -0.01 g [95% CI = -0.14, 0.12] and β = -0.07 g [95% CI = -0.19, 0.06], respectively) whereas the relationship was significant and positive during the 3rd trimester (β = 0.15 g; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.29). Trimester-specific effects were similar for the other PFAS and adverse birth outcomes, which persisted after adjusting for creatinine or eGFR. The relationships between prenatal PFAS exposure and adverse birth outcomes were not strongly confounded by renal function or hemodilution. However, 3rd trimester samples consistently exhibited different effects than those collected during the 1st and 2nd trimesters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin R Taibl
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donghai Liang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anne L Dunlop
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Ryan Smith
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kyle Steenland
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Youran Tan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - P Barry Ryan
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Todd Everson
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carmen J Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dean P Jones
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Eick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Junior JA, Lee LK, Fleegler EW, Monuteaux MC, Niescierenko ML, Stewart AM. Association of State-Level Tax Policy and Infant Mortality in the United States, 1996-2019. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e239646. [PMID: 37093600 PMCID: PMC10126872 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.9646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Infant mortality in the United States is highest among peer nations; it is also inequitable, with the highest rates among Black infants. The association between tax policy and infant mortality is not well understood. Objective To examine the association between state-level tax policy and state-level infant mortality in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants This state-level, population-based cross-sectional study investigated the association between tax policy and infant mortality in the US from 1996 through 2019. All US infant births and deaths were included, with data obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Data were analyzed from November 28, 2021, to July 9, 2022. Exposures State-level tax policy was operationalized as tax revenue per capita and tax progressivity. The Suits index was used to measure tax progressivity, with higher progressivity indicating increased tax rates for wealthier individuals. Main Outcomes and Measures The association between tax policy and infant mortality rates was analyzed using a multivariable, negative binomial, generalized estimating equations model. Since 6 years of tax progressivity data were available (1995, 2002, 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2018), 300 state-years were included. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) were calculated controlling for year, state-level demographic variables, federal transfer revenue, and other revenue. Secondary analyses were conducted for racial and ethnic subgroups. Results There were 148 336 infant deaths in the US from 1996 through 2019, including 27 861 Hispanic infants, 1882 non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native infants, 5792 non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander infants, 41 560 non-Hispanic Black infants, and 68 666 non-Hispanic White infants. The overall infant mortality rate was 6.29 deaths per 1000 live births. Each $1000 increase in tax revenue per capita was associated with a 2.6% decrease in the infant mortality rate (aIRR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99). An increase of 0.10 in the Suits index (ie, increased tax progressivity) was associated with a 4.6% decrease in the infant mortality rate (aIRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99). Increased tax progressivity was associated with decreased non-Hispanic White infant mortality (aIRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99), and increased tax revenue was associated with increased non-Hispanic Black infant mortality (aIRR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08). Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, an increase in tax revenue and the Suits index of tax progressivity were both associated with decreased infant mortality. These associations varied by race and ethnicity. Tax policy is an important, modifiable social determinant of health that may influence state-level infant mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean A Junior
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lois K Lee
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric W Fleegler
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael C Monuteaux
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle L Niescierenko
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amanda M Stewart
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Aguilar GA, Lundsberg LS, Stanwood NL, Gariepy AM. Exploratory study of race- or ethnicity-based discrimination among patients receiving procedural abortion care. Contraception 2023; 120:109949. [PMID: 36641096 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2023.109949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Explore relationships of race and ethnicity with experiences of race- or ethnicity-based discrimination during abortion care. STUDY DESIGN English- or Spanish-speaking individuals aged 18 to 50 completed cross-sectional, self-administered online surveys within 30 days of procedural abortion at 5 Northeastern U.S. reproductive health clinics from June 2020 toFebruary 2021. We considered any affirmative response on the Discrimination in Medical Settings (DMS) scale evidence of race- or ethnicity-based discrimination. We performed bivariate analyses and logistic regression examining discrimination among Black non-Latinx, Latinx any race, Other race non-Latinx compared to White non-Latinx participants. We assessed associations between discrimination and healthcare quality and satisfaction. RESULTS Participants (n = 163) averaged 27(±6) years and self-identified as Black non-Latinx (36.2%), White non-Latinx (28.8%), Latinx of any race (27.0%), and Other non-Latinx (8.0%). Most were publicly insured (52.8%) and <14 weeks gestation (90.8%).Overall, 15.3% reported race- or ethnicity-based discrimination during abortion care with Black non-Latinx more likely to report discrimination (23.7%; OR 7.00, 95% CI 1.50-32.59), while Latinx any race (15.9%, OR 4.26, 95% CI 0.83-21.74) and Other race non-Latinx participants (15.4%, OR 4.09, 95% CI 0.52-32.35) demonstrated statistically nonsignificant trend toward increased odds of discrimination compared to White non-Latinx (4.3%). Discrimination was associated with negative perceptions of: time with physician (p = 0.03), patient care involvement (p < 0.05), physician communication (p = 0.01), care quality (p = 0.02), and care satisfaction (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Racially minoritized participants were more likely to report race- or ethnicity-based discrimination during abortion care; Black non-Latinx reported highest odds of discrimination compared to White non-Latinx. Discrimination was associated with unfavorable healthcare quality measures. IMPLICATIONS Race- or ethnicity-based discrimination during abortion care is disproportionately reported by racially minoritized populations, especially Black individuals, compared to White non-Latinx individuals. Discrimination is significantly associated with negative experiences of care. Future work should verify findings in different regions and larger studies, and design and test discrimination-reduction interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela A Aguilar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.
| | - Lisbet S Lundsberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Nancy L Stanwood
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Aileen M Gariepy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tanous O, Asi Y, Hammoudeh W, Mills D, Wispelwey B. Structural racism and the health of Palestinian citizens of Israel. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2214608. [PMID: 37209155 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2214608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI) constitute almost 20% of the Israeli population. Despite having access to one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world, PCI have shorter life expectancy and significantly worse health outcomes compared to the Jewish Israeli population. While several studies have analysed the social and policy determinants driving these health inequities, direct discussion of structural racism as their overarching etiology has been limited. This article situates the social determinants of health of PCI and their health outcomes as stemming from settler colonialism and resultant structural racism by exploring how Palestinians came to be a racialized minority in their homeland. In utilising critical race theory and a settler colonial analysis, we provide a structural and historically responsible reading of the health of PCI and suggest that dismantling legally codified racial discrimination is the first step to achieving health equity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osama Tanous
- FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yara Asi
- FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Weeam Hammoudeh
- FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Mills
- FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bram Wispelwey
- FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Selvarajah S, Adil HS, Ekechi C. Race, ethnicity, and ill health: making the non-modifiable modifiable. Lancet 2022; 400:2008-2009. [PMID: 36502824 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sujitha Selvarajah
- Race & Health, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK; St George's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
| | - Haleema Sadia Adil
- Race Equality Taskforce, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK; University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Christine Ekechi
- Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital, Imperial NHS Healthcare Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Janczewski LM, Tatebe LC. Racial Inequities in Emergency Surgery Consultation in Medicare Patients. JAMA Surg 2022; 157:1104. [PMID: 36223134 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2022.4965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leah C Tatebe
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Barger MK. Systematic Reviews to Inform Practice, November/December 2022. J Midwifery Womens Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary K. Barger
- Midwifery researcher and consultant San Diego California
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Johnson-Agbakwu CE. The Impact of Racism and the Sociopolitical Climate on the Birth Outcomes of Migrant Women, Mothers, and Birthing People in the United States. Med Care 2022; 60:795-798. [PMID: 36173103 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Crista E Johnson-Agbakwu
- Arizona State University, Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center
- Creighton University School of Medicine
- District Medical Group, Phoenix, AZ
| |
Collapse
|