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Mateus J, Stevens DR, Grantz KL, Zhang C, Grewal J, Grobman WA, Owen J, Sciscione AC, Wapner RJ, Skupski D, Chien E, Wing DA, Ranzini AC, Nageotte MP, Newman RB. Fetal and Maternal Factors Predictive of Primary Cesarean Delivery at Term in a Low-Risk Population: NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons. Am J Perinatol 2024. [PMID: 39074807 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine associations of fetal biometric and amniotic fluid measures with intrapartum primary cesarean delivery (PCD) and develop prediction models for PCD based on ultrasound parameters and maternal factors. STUDY DESIGN Secondary analysis of the National Institute of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Fetal Growth Studies-singleton cohort (2009-2013) including patients with uncomplicated pregnancies and intent to deliver vaginally at ≥370/7 weeks. The estimated fetal weight, individual biometric parameters, fetal asymmetry measurements, and amniotic fluid single deepest vertical pocket assessed at the final scan (mean 37.5 ± 1.9 weeks) were categorized as <10th, 10th to 90th (reference), and >90th percentiles. Logistic regression analyses examined the association between the ultrasound measures and PCD. Fetal and maternal SuperLearner prediction algorithms were constructed for the full and nulliparous cohorts. RESULTS Of the 1,668 patients analyzed, 249 (14.9%) had PCD. The fetal head circumference, occipital-frontal diameter, and transverse abdominal diameter >90th percentile (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.50, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.39, 4.51; aOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.40; and aOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.89, respectively) were associated with PCD. The fetal model demonstrated poor ability to predict PCD in the full cohort and in nulliparous patients (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.61; and AUC = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.60, respectively). Conversely, the maternal model had better predictive capability overall (AUC = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.82) and in the nulliparous subgroup (AUC = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.77). Models combining maternal/fetal factors performed similarly to the maternal model (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.82 in full cohort, and AUC = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.76 in nulliparas). CONCLUSION Although a few fetal biometric parameters were associated with PCD, the fetal prediction model had low performance. In contrast, the maternal model had a fair-to-good ability to predict PCD. KEY POINTS · Fetal HC >90th percentile was associated with cesarean delivery.. · Fetal parameters did not effectively predict PCD.. · Maternal factors were more predictive of PCD.. · Maternal/fetal and maternal models performed similarly.. · Prediction models had lower performance in nulliparas..
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Mateus
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Atrium Health, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Danielle R Stevens
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Katherine L Grantz
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Cuilin Zhang
- Global Center for Asian Women's Health and the Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (ACRLE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jagteshwar Grewal
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William A Grobman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John Owen
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Center for Women's Reproductive Health, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Anthony C Sciscione
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Hospital, Newark, Delaware
| | - Ronald J Wapner
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Daniel Skupski
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Presbyterian Queens, Flushing, New York and Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Edward Chien
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Health System, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Deborah A Wing
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center/Miller Children's Hospital Irvine, California
| | - Angela C Ranzini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, Ohio; Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael P Nageotte
- Maternal-Fetal medicine Specialist, Miller Children's and Women's Hospital, Long Beach, California
| | - Roger B Newman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Cleaver P, Non AL. Were fewer boys born in the United States during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic? A test of the Trivers-Willard hypothesis. Evol Anthropol 2024:e22043. [PMID: 39051448 DOI: 10.1002/evan.22043] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The Trivers-Willard hypothesis predicts that mammalian parents in poor environmental conditions will favor the offspring sex with more reliable chance of reproductive success, which in humans is females. Three months following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, England, and Wales, there were significant decreases in the sex ratio at birth (SRB) (male births/total live births). We analyzed this ratio with a seasonal autoregressive moving average model, and a logistic regression, using nationwide natality data for all singleton births in the United States from 2015 to 2021 (n = 25,201,620 total births). We identified no significant change in the sex ratio in either analysis. Rather, we observed marked differences in the sex ratio by maternal characteristics of race/ethnicity, age, and education, with more vulnerable groups having lower sex ratios. These findings suggest the SRB may be an important marker of reproductive vulnerability for disadvantaged groups in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton Cleaver
- Department of Anthropology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Amy L Non
- Department of Anthropology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Harris RA, Crandell J, Taylor JY, Santos HP. Childhood Racism and Cardiometabolic Risk in Latina Mothers Across the First Postpartum Year. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:531-540. [PMID: 38573031 PMCID: PMC11230847 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001306] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immigrant Latinas, particularly of Mexican descent, initially achieve healthy perinatal outcomes. Although this advantage wears off across generations in the United States (US), the early life psychosocial mechanisms that may initiate a cascade of biological vulnerabilities remain elusive. The current investigation aimed to understand the extent to which childhood experiences of racism may contribute to elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an early indicator of cardiometabolic risk, during the first postpartum year. METHODS Latinas from the Community and Child Health Network ( N = 457) retrospectively reported experiences of childhood racism and childhood country of residence via structured questionnaires. Interviewers collected CRP bloodspots and height and weight measurements for body mass index at 6 months and 1 year postpartum. RESULTS Latinas who grew up in the US experienced a steeper increase of CRP levels across the first postpartum year ( β = 0.131, p = .009) and had higher CRP levels 1 year postpartum than Latinas who grew up in Latin America. Based on Bayesian path analyses, Latinas who grew up in the US reported higher levels of childhood racism than Latinas who immigrated after childhood ( β = 0.27; 95% credible interval = 0.16-0.37). In turn, childhood racism mediated the relationship between country of childhood residence and elevated CRP at 6 months and 1 year postpartum, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioral covariates. After adjusting for body mass index, mediational relationships became nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS This study is an important first step toward understanding how childhood racism may contribute to postmigratory health patterns among Latinas, particularly cardiometabolic risk 1 year after childbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Alvarado Harris
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Jamie Crandell
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Jacquelyn Y. Taylor
- Center for Research on People of Color, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, United States
| | - Hudson P Santos
- The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Florida, United States
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Gilliam SM, Hylick K, Taylor EN, La Barrie DL, Hatchett EE, Finch MY, Kavalakuntla Y. Intersectionality in Black Maternal Health Experiences: Implications for Intersectional Maternal Mental Health Research, Policy, and Practice. J Midwifery Womens Health 2024; 69:462-468. [PMID: 38319012 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13609] [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] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Black women experience significant maternal mortality and morbidity disparities in the United States. Although emerging research has focused on reducing maternal mortality rates among Black birthing individuals, we must explore structural and social factors contributing to mental health outcomes during the perinatal period. Gaps exist where intersectional identities and experiences in maternal and child health are examined. This study explores the intersectional stress experiences of Black perinatal women in the South. METHODS We collected qualitative data through virtual semistructured interviews with 9 pregnant and 7 postpartum participants (N = 16).These interviews assessed feelings, attitudes, and perceptions about psychological stress due to their intersectional experiences of being Black, pregnant, and a woman in the United States. Findings were analyzed through the lens of critical race theory and intersectionality. RESULTS We identified 5 overarching themes: (1) perinatal mental health experiences, (2) birthing and parenting while Black, (3) socioeconomic factors, (4) how we cope, and (5) community and social support. DISCUSSION Overall, this study revealed how the layers of race, gender, pregnancy, and socioeconomic status influence mental health during the perinatal period. These findings show the need for antiracist and intersectional maternal mental health policies and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kandyce Hylick
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Erica N Taylor
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | | | - Emily E Hatchett
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Morgan Y Finch
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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Mersky JP, Jeffers NK, Lee CP, Shlafer RJ, Jackson DB, Gómez A. Linking Adverse Experiences to Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes: A Life Course Analysis of Racial and Ethnic Disparities Among Low-Income Women. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1741-1753. [PMID: 37289344 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01647-w] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes have persisted in the United States for decades, though the causes remain poorly understood. The life course perspective posits that poorer outcomes of Black birthing people stem from heightened exposure to stressors early in life and cumulative exposure to stressors over time. Despite its prominence, this perspective has seldom been investigated empirically. We analyzed longitudinal data gathered from 1319 women in low-income households in Wisconsin who received perinatal home visiting services. Variable- and person-centered analyses were performed to assess whether 15 adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and 10 adverse adult experiences (AAEs) were associated, alone and in combination, with pregnancy loss, preterm birth, and low birth weight among Hispanic (i.e., Latinx) and non-Hispanic Black and White participants. As expected, there were disparities in preterm birth and low birth weight, and both ACEs and AAEs were linked to poorer pregnancy and birth outcomes. Unexpectedly, bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that the associated effects of ACEs and AAEs were most robust for non-Hispanic White women. A latent class analysis produced four patterns of life course adversity, and multigroup latent class analyses confirmed that, compared to White women, higher-adversity class assignments were associated with less robust effects for Hispanic women, and even less robust effects for Black women. We discuss interpretations of the paradoxical findings, including the possibility that alternative sources of stress such as interpersonal and structural racism may better account for the reproductive disparities that disproportionately affect Black birthing people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Mersky
- Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Institute for Child & Family Well-Being, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | | | - ChienTi Plummer Lee
- Institute for Child & Family Well-Being, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca J Shlafer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dylan B Jackson
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anthony Gómez
- Institute for Child & Family Well-Being, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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6
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Lee K, Pellowski JA, Brayboy LM, Thompson KD, Dunsiger S. The Association of Racism and Discrimination in Disparities of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in the United States: An Analysis of PRAMS Data. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:969-978. [PMID: 38308757 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03885-0] [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] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal mortality. Racial disparities in maternal outcomes such as maternal mortality in the United States (US) are well-documented, but the relationship of racism and/or discrimination with one's risk of developing a hypertension during pregnancy (HDP) is not well-studied. METHODS Data from 17 sites that asked questions regarding experiences with racism and/or discrimination during pregnancy via the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Phase 8 (2016-2020) was used. Logistic regression models were used compare the potential of stress induced HDP from perceived experiences of racism and/or discrimination versus the effect of systemic racism and/or discrimination (in healthcare settings and generally) on racial disparities in HDP diagnosis. RESULTS Among 9,907 live births, 18% of participants reported they were diagnosed with hypertension during pregnancy, with non-Hispanic Black individuals having the highest rate (21.8%). Regarding experiences of racism and/or discrimination, 76.4% of participants responded "yes", with all races/ethnicities studied here except non-Hispanic White individuals responding "yes" at rates higher than 89%. Perceived experiences of racism and/or discrimination did not statistically significantly affect one's odds of being diagnosed with HDP (OR = 0.94, CI: 0.74, 1.20). The disparity in odds of having hypertension during pregnancy between Non-Hispanic Black individuals and non-Hispanic White individuals was not statistically significant when perceived experiences of racism and/or discrimination were included in the model. CONCLUSIONS Experiences of racism and/or discrimination drive racial disparities in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS It is vital to eliminate racist and discriminatory practices and behaviors to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara Lee
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Pellowski
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, International Health Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lynae M Brayboy
- Department of Neuropediatrics Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Klinik für Pädiatrie m. S. Neurologie, Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Bedford Research Foundation, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn D Thompson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Shira Dunsiger
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Basile-Ibrahim B, Combellick J, Mead TL, Sorensen A, Batten J, Schafer R. The Social Context of Pregnancy, Respectful Maternity Care, Biomarkers of Weathering, and Postpartum Mental Health Inequities: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:480. [PMID: 38673391 PMCID: PMC11049830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: Mental health disorders are the number one cause of maternal mortality and a significant maternal morbidity. This scoping review sought to understand the associations between social context and experiences during pregnancy and birth, biological indicators of stress and weathering, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Methods: A scoping review was performed using PRISMA-ScR guidance and JBI scoping review methodology. The search was conducted in OVID Medline and Embase. Results: This review identified 74 eligible English-language peer-reviewed original research articles. A majority of studies reported significant associations between social context, negative and stressful experiences in the prenatal period, and a higher incidence of diagnosis and symptoms of PMADs. Included studies reported significant associations between postpartum depression and prenatal stressors (n = 17), socioeconomic disadvantage (n = 14), negative birth experiences (n = 9), obstetric violence (n = 3), and mistreatment by maternity care providers (n = 3). Birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was positively associated with negative birth experiences (n = 11), obstetric violence (n = 1), mistreatment by the maternity care team (n = 1), socioeconomic disadvantage (n = 2), and prenatal stress (n = 1); and inverse association with supportiveness of the maternity care team (n = 5) and presence of a birth companion or doula (n = 4). Postpartum anxiety was significantly associated with negative birth experiences (n = 2) and prenatal stress (n = 3). Findings related to associations between biomarkers of stress and weathering, perinatal exposures, and PMADs (n = 14) had mixed significance. Conclusions: Postpartum mental health outcomes are linked with the prenatal social context and interactions with the maternity care team during pregnancy and birth. Respectful maternity care has the potential to reduce adverse postpartum mental health outcomes, especially for persons affected by systemic oppression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joan Combellick
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA; (J.C.)
| | - Thomas L. Mead
- Biomedical Libraries, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA;
| | - Alee Sorensen
- School of Nursing, Yale University, Orange, CT 06477, USA; (J.C.)
| | - Janene Batten
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Robyn Schafer
- Division of Advanced Nursing Practice, School of Nursing, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07107, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Pouget ER, Feyissa GT, Wong T. Inequity in US Racial/Ethnic Infant Health and Birth Outcomes: The Role of the Adult Sex Ratio as a Potential Indicator of Structural Anti-Black Racism. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01984-4. [PMID: 38528178 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01984-4] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural racism accounts for inequity in health outcomes in ways that are difficult to measure. To conduct more actionable research and measure the impact of intervention programs, there is a need to develop indicator measures of structural racism. One potential candidate is the Adult Sex Ratio (ASR), which was identified by Du Bois as an important indicator of social life functioning over 100 years ago and has remained significant up to the present day. This study investigated the utility of this measure. METHODS We compared birth/infant health outcomes using the US 2000 Linked Birth/Infant Death Cohort Data Set matched with 2000 Census data on adult sex ratios in multilevel logistic regression models, stratified by the racial/ethnic category of the mothers. RESULTS In an adjusted model, the odds of infant death was 21% higher among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) women living in counties in the lowest ASR tertile category when compared to their counterparts in counties in the highest ASR tertile. Similarly, the odds of giving birth to a preterm or a low birth weight infant were each 20% higher among NHB women living in counties in the lowest ASR tertile compared to their counterparts in counties in the highest ASR tertile. CONCLUSION ASRs may serve as a useful indicator of anti-Black structural racism at the local level. More research is needed to determine the circumstances under which this factor may serve to improve assessment of structural racism and facilitate health equity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique R Pouget
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - Garumma T Feyissa
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
| | - Tracy Wong
- Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA
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Oommen H, Esse L, Sajer S, Lukasse M. Somali women's perceptions and experiences of pain and pain relief during childbirth in Norway: A qualitative study. Eur J Midwifery 2024; 8:EJM-8-05. [PMID: 38323166 PMCID: PMC10845056 DOI: 10.18332/ejm/176034] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research shows that Somali women are less likely to receive epidural analgesia for labor pain compared to non-immigrant women in Norway. It is unclear why. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of Somali women regarding pain relief during childbirth. METHODS In January 2023, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Somali women who had lived in Norway for at least ten years and given birth within the past 12 months. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis as described by Graneheim and Lundman. RESULTS Three themes emerged from the data: a cultural understanding of epidural analgesia, religious and cultural coping strategies, and the midwife's role during labor. The participants expressed that there is a prevalent understanding in the Somali community that epidural analgesia in childbirth subsequently causes physical problems. Participants felt the influence of friends and family, expressed the need for culturally adapted information prior to labor, and concluded that, ultimately, what they decided upon was their own choice. They emphasized the belief that women were designed by God for childbirth. Prayer and placing oneself in God's hands were mentioned as pain management strategies. Nevertheless, the Somali women highlighted the importance of having a culturally competent midwife who is present when needed, creates trust, and provides information and access to different methods of pain relief, including epidural analgesia. CONCLUSIONS Understanding Somali women's cultural and religious background while listening to individual needs for information and pain relief is essential to ensure a positive birth experience for women from a Somali background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Oommen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sørlandet Hospital Kristiansand, Kristiansand, Norway
- Center for Women's, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Leila Esse
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sanabel Sajer
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mirjam Lukasse
- Center for Women's, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kongsberg, Norway
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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10
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Rivera KM, D'Anna-Hernandez KL, Hankin BL, Davis EP, Doom JR. Experience of discrimination reported during pregnancy and infant's emerging effortful control. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22455. [PMID: 38388206 PMCID: PMC10928799 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22455] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Discrimination reported during pregnancy is associated with poorer offspring emotional outcomes. Links with effortful control have yet to be examined. This study investigated whether pregnant individuals' reports of lifetime racial/ethnic discrimination and everyday discrimination (including but not specific to race/ethnicity) reported during pregnancy were associated with offspring emerging effortful control at 6 months of age. Pregnant individuals (N = 174) and their offspring (93 female infants) participated. During pregnancy, participants completed two discrimination measures: (1) lifetime experience of racial/ethnic discrimination, and (2) everyday discrimination (not specific to race/ethnicity). Parents completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised when infants were 6 months old to assess orienting/regulation, a measure of emerging effortful control. Analyses were conducted in a subsample with racially/ethnically marginalized participants and then everyday discrimination analyses were repeated in the full sample. For racially/ethnically marginalized participants, greater everyday discrimination (β = -.27, p = .01) but not greater lifetime experience of racial/ethnic discrimination (β = -.21, p = .06) was associated with poorer infant emerging effortful control. In the full sample, greater everyday discrimination was associated with poorer infant emerging effortful control (β = -.24, p = .002). Greater perceived stress, but not depressive symptoms, at 2 months postnatal mediated the association between everyday discrimination and emerging effortful control. Further research should examine additional biological and behavioral mechanisms by which discrimination reported during pregnancy may affect offspring emerging effortful control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenia M Rivera
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Benjamin L Hankin
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Jenalee R Doom
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
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Sarullo K, Barch DM, Smyser CD, Rogers C, Warner BB, Miller JP, England SK, Luby J, Swamidass SJ. Disentangling Socioeconomic Status and Race in Infant Brain, Birth Weight, and Gestational Age at Birth: A Neural Network Analysis. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:135-144. [PMID: 38298774 PMCID: PMC10829562 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Race is commonly used as a proxy for multiple features including socioeconomic status. It is critical to dissociate these factors, to identify mechanisms that affect infant outcomes, such as birth weight, gestational age, and brain development, and to direct appropriate interventions and shape public policy. Methods Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables were used to model infant outcomes. There were 351 participants included in the analysis for birth weight and gestational age. For the analysis using brain volumes, 280 participants were included after removing participants with missing magnetic resonance imaging scans and those matching our exclusion criteria. We modeled these three different infant outcomes, including infant brain, birth weight, and gestational age, with both linear and nonlinear models. Results Nonlinear models were better predictors of infant birth weight than linear models (R2 = 0.172 vs. R2 = 0.145, p = .005). In contrast to linear models, nonlinear models ranked income, neighborhood disadvantage, and experiences of discrimination higher in importance than race while modeling birth weight. Race was not an important predictor for either gestational age or structural brain volumes. Conclusions Consistent with the extant social science literature, the findings related to birth weight suggest that race is a linear proxy for nonlinear factors related to structural racism. Methods that can disentangle factors often correlated with race are important for policy in that they may better identify and rank the modifiable factors that influence outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Sarullo
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Deanna M. Barch
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Christopher D. Smyser
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Cynthia Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Barbara B. Warner
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - J. Philip Miller
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Sarah K. England
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joan Luby
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - S. Joshua Swamidass
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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12
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Ibrahim BB, Cheyney M, Vedam S, Kennedy HP. "I was able to take it back": Seeking VBAC after experiencing dehumanizing maternity care in a primary cesarean. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2023; 4:100339. [PMID: 38239391 PMCID: PMC10795544 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we present findings from a qualitative narrative analysis that examined the pregnancy, primary cesarean, and subsequent birth experiences of women in the United States. Using a maximal variation sampling strategy, we recruited participants via social media and networking to participate in semistructured interviews. Twenty-five women from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations across the U.S. participated, eight self-identified as racialized and seventeen as non-Hispanic, White. Data were analyzed iteratively using Clandinin and Connelly's approach to Narrative Inquiry. Across their narratives, participants described their experiences of maternity care that were either generally negative (dehumanizing care) or positive (humanized care). They further described how their experiences of dehumanizing or humanized care impacted their decision-making for subsequent births, mental health, relationships with the healthcare system, early parenting birth satisfaction, and family planning. Findings suggest that regardless of ultimate mode of birth, what was most important to women was how they are treated by their maternity care team. We suggest practice changes that may improve the experience of maternity care for primary cesarean and subsequent births, especially among those made marginal by systems of oppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Basile Ibrahim
- Yale University School of Nursing, 400 West Campus Drive, Orange, CT, 06477, United States
| | - Melissa Cheyney
- Oregon State University, Waldo Hall 224, 2250 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, United States
| | - Saraswathi Vedam
- University of British Columbia, Birth Place Lab, UBC Midwifery, BC Women’s Hospital, Shaughnessy Building E416 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Holly Powell Kennedy
- Yale University School of Nursing, 400 West Campus Drive, Orange, CT, 06477, United States
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13
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Liu SR, D’Anna-Hernandez K, Sandman CA, Poggi Davis E, Glynn LM. Discrimination and adverse birth outcomes among Latina women: The protective role of social support. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023:2024-22759-001. [PMID: 37930649 PMCID: PMC11070450 DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interpersonal discrimination has been associated with adverse birth outcomes among Black populations, but few studies have examined the impact of discrimination among Latinx/Hispanic populations in the United States, especially in conjunction with resources that could be protective. The present study examined (a) if exposure to discrimination is associated with adverse birth outcomes for Latina/Hispanic women and (b) if prenatal social support buffers these links. METHOD In two independent prospective studies of Latina/Hispanic women in Southern California (N = 84 and N = 102), the relation between maternal experience of discrimination and birth outcomes (length of gestation and birth weight) was examined. Additionally, social support was tested as a moderator of these relations. RESULTS In both Studies 1 and 2, exposures to discrimination predicted adverse birth outcomes. Specifically, lifetime experiences of major discrimination predicted lower birth weight. Additionally, in Study 2, chronic experiences of everyday discrimination were linked to lower birth weight. In Study 1, major discrimination also predicted shorter gestational length. Importantly, in both studies, the presence of prenatal social support buffered associations between discrimination and poorer birth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Findings implicate discrimination as an important risk factor for adverse birth outcomes among women of Latina/Hispanic descent. Further policies, practice, and research on reducing discrimination and enhancing factors that promote resilience such as social support are needed to facilitate healthy births among Latina/Hispanic women, mitigate intergenerational harm of discrimination-related stress, and advance health equity at birth and across the lifespan. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina R. Liu
- Department of Human Development, California State University San Marcos
| | | | - Curt A. Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California Irvine
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine
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14
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Womack SR, Beam CR, Giangrande EJ, Scharf RJ, Tong X, Ponnapalli M, Davis DW, Turkheimer E. Nonlinear Catch-Up Growth in Height, Weight, and Head Circumference from Birth to Adolescence: A Longitudinal Twin Study. Behav Genet 2023; 53:385-403. [PMID: 37634182 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-023-10151-0] [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: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Owing to high rates of prenatal complications, twins are, on average, substantially smaller than population norms on physical measurements including height, weight, and head circumference at birth. By early childhood, twins are physically average. This study is the first to explore the process of catch-up growth by fitting asymptotic growth models to age-standardized height, weight, and head circumference measurements in a community sample of twins (n = 1281, 52.3% female) followed at up to 17 time points from birth to 15 years. Catch-up growth was rapid over the first year and plateaued around the population mean by early childhood. Shared environmental factors accounted for the majority of individual differences in initial physical size (57.7-65.5%), whereas additive genetic factors accounted for the majority of individual differences in the upper asymptotes of height, weight, and head circumference (73.4-92.6%). Both additive genetic and shared environmental factors were associated with variance in how quickly twins caught up. Gestational age and family SES emerged as important environmental correlates of physical catch-up growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R Womack
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Gilmer Hall, 485 McCormick Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.
| | - Christopher R Beam
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Evan J Giangrande
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Gilmer Hall, 485 McCormick Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Rebecca J Scharf
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Gilmer Hall, 485 McCormick Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Medha Ponnapalli
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Gilmer Hall, 485 McCormick Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| | - Deborah W Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Norton Children's Research Institute Affiliated with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Eric Turkheimer
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Gilmer Hall, 485 McCormick Rd, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
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15
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Williams RC. Des expériences négatives de l'enfance à la santé relationnelle précoce : les conséquences pour la pratique clinique. Paediatr Child Health 2023; 28:377-393. [PMID: 37744761 PMCID: PMC10517240 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxad026] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Les enfants grandissent et se développent dans un environnement de relations. Des relations sécuritaires, stables et bienveillantes contribuent à consolider la résilience et à atténuer les répercussions des expériences négatives. La promotion de la santé relationnelle en pratique clinique recentre l'attention accordée aux expériences négatives de l'enfance sur les expériences positives de l'enfance. Cette approche, qui évalue les forces et les atouts d'une famille, peut être intégrée à la fois aux rendez-vous réguliers de l'enfant en santé et aux soins surspécialisés. Il est optimal de réaliser de telles interventions pendant la période prénatale ou le plus rapidement possible avant l'âge de trois ans, mais il n'est jamais trop tard pour les entreprendre. Le présent document de principes décrit comment les cliniciens peuvent adopter une approche de santé relationnelle lors de chacune de leurs rencontres médicales s'ils comprennent ce qu'est le stress toxique et ses effets sur le cerveau en développement, les relations familiales et le développement de l'enfant; à quel point les relations, expériences et comportements positifs peuvent en atténuer les effets et renforcer la résilience; quels sont les signes observables de la santé relationnelle et des risques relationnels dans les interactions entre les parents et l'enfant; quelles sont les caractéristiques de relations thérapeutiques de confiance avec les familles et comment en optimiser les avantages par les échanges et la pratique clinique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin C Williams
- Société canadienne de pédiatrie, groupe de travail de la petite enfance, Ottawa (Ontario), Canada
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16
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Williams RC. From ACEs to early relational health: Implications for clinical practice. Paediatr Child Health 2023; 28:377-393. [PMID: 37744756 PMCID: PMC10517248 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxad025] [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: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Children grow and develop in an environment of relationships. Safe, stable, nurturing relationships help build resilience and buffer the negative impact of adverse experiences. Promoting relational health in clinical practice shifts the focus from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to positive childhood experiences (PCEs). This approach evaluates a family's strengths and assets, and can be incorporated into both well-child and subspecialty care. While the optimal window for such interventions is in the prenatal period or as early as possible within the first 3 years of life, it is never too late to start. This statement describes how clinicians can bring a relational health approach to any medical encounter by understanding: what toxic stress is and how it can affect the developing brain, family relationships, and child development; how positive relationships, experiences, and behaviours can help buffer such effects and build resilience; observable signs of relational health and risk in parent-child interactions; the attributes of trustful, therapeutic relationships with families; and how to optimize these benefits through conversation and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin C Williams
- Canadian Paediatric Society, Early Years Task Force, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Greenberg R, Anguzu R, Jaeke E, Palatnik A. Prospective Survey of Discrimination in Pregnant Persons and Correlation with Unplanned Healthcare Utilization. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01789-x. [PMID: 37721668 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01789-x] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association between lifetime exposure to discrimination and unplanned healthcare utilization in pregnant persons. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of pregnant persons receiving care from 2021 to 2022. Primary data was collected from participants on sociodemographic factors and on Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire (PED-Q), a validated 17-item scale measuring perceived lifetime interpersonal racial and ethnic discrimination in four domains: work/school, social exclusion, stigmatization, and threat. The primary outcome was unplanned healthcare utilization, defined as unplanned labor and delivery admissions, triage, Emergency Department, or urgent care visits. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to examine the association between lifetime exposure to discrimination and unplanned healthcare utilization. RESULTS A total of 289 completed the PED-Q and were included in the analysis. Of these, 123 (42.6%) had unplanned healthcare utilization. Mean (SD) of lifetime racial and ethnic discrimination was significantly higher in people with unplanned healthcare utilization compared to those with planned healthcare utilization [1.67 (0.63) vs 1.48 (0.45), p = 0.003]. Univariate analysis showed that lifetime racial and ethnic discrimination was significantly associated with unplanned healthcare utilization (OR 1.96, 95% CI 0.23-3.11). Significant associations were found between unplanned healthcare utilization and maternal age (p = 0.04), insurance type (p = 0.01), married status (p < 0.001), education (p = 0.013), household income (p = 0.001), and chronic hypertension (p = 0.004). After controlling for potential confounding factors, self-reported lifetime racial and ethnic discrimination remained significantly associated with higher odds of unplanned healthcare utilization (aOR 1.78, CI 95% 1.01-3.11). CONCLUSION We found that a higher level of self-reported lifetime racial and ethnic discrimination was associated with increased unplanned healthcare utilization during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronald Anguzu
- Division of Epidemiology and Social Sciences, Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Anna Palatnik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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18
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Stevens DR, Yeung E, Hinkle SN, Grobman W, Williams A, Ouidir M, Kumar R, Lipsky LM, Rohn MCH, Kanner J, Sherman S, Chen Z, Mendola P. Maternal asthma in relation to infant size and body composition. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. GLOBAL 2023; 2:100122. [PMID: 37485032 PMCID: PMC10361394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2023.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Asthma affects 10% of pregnancies and may influence offspring health, including infant size and body composition, through hypoxic and inflammatory pathways. Objective We sought to determine associations between maternal asthma and asthma phenotypes during pregnancy and infant size and body composition. Methods The B-WELL-Mom study (2015-19) is a prospective cohort of 418 pregnant persons with and without asthma recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy from 2 US obstetric clinics. Exposures were maternal self-reported active asthma (n = 311) or no asthma (n = 107), and asthma phenotypes were classified on the bases of atopy, onset, exercise induced, control, severity, symptomology, and exacerbations. Outcomes were infant weight, length, head circumference, and skinfold measurements at birth and postnatal follow-up, as well as fat and lean mass assessed by air displacement plethysmography at birth. Adjusted multivariable linear regression examined associations of maternal asthma and asthma phenotypes with infant outcomes. Results Offspring were born at a mean ± SD of 38 ± 2.3 weeks' gestation and were 18 ± 2.2 weeks of age at postnatal follow-up. Infants of participants with asthma had a mean ± SD fat mass of 11.0 ± 4.2%, birth weight of 3045.8 ± 604.3 g, and postnatal follow-up weight of 6696.4 ± 964.2 g, which were not different from infants of participants without asthma (respectively, β [95% confidence interval]: -0.1 [-1.4, 1.3], -26.7 [-156.9, 103.4], and 107.5 [-117.3, 332.3]). Few associations were observed between asthma or asthma phenotypes and infant size or body composition. Conclusions In a current obstetric cohort, maternal asthma during pregnancy was not associated with differential infant size or body composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R. Stevens
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda
| | - Edwina Yeung
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda
| | - Stefanie N. Hinkle
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | - Andrew Williams
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
| | - Marion Ouidir
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago
| | - Leah M. Lipsky
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda
| | - Matthew C. H. Rohn
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University, Washington
| | - Jenna Kanner
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda
| | | | - Zhen Chen
- Biostatistics Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda
| | - Pauline Mendola
- Epidemiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo
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19
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Stevens DR, Starling AP, Bommarito PA, Keil AP, Nakiwala D, Calafat AM, Adgate JL, Dabelea D, Ferguson KK. Midpregnancy Phthalate and Phenol Biomarkers in Relation to Infant Body Composition: The Healthy Start Prospective Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:87017. [PMID: 37616158 PMCID: PMC10449008 DOI: 10.1289/ehp12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational phthalate and phenol exposure disrupts adipogenesis, contributing to obesity in mice. Whether gestational phthalate or phenol exposure is associated with infant body composition has not been investigated in humans. OBJECTIVE We examined associations between biomarkers of phthalate and phenol exposure in midpregnancy and infant size and body composition at birth and at 5 months of age. METHODS Analyses were conducted among 438 infants from the Healthy Start prospective pregnancy cohort. Sixteen phthalate and phenol biomarkers were quantified in spot urine samples collected at 24-28 wk of gestation. Infant outcomes measured at birth and at 5 months of age included size [weight (in grams)] and body composition [fat and lean masses (in grams); percentage fat mass]. Single- (linear) and multipollutant (quantile g-computation) models were used to estimate associations of phthalate and phenol biomarkers with infant outcomes at birth and at 5 months of age. Models were adjusted for sociodemographics, sample collection timing, and lifestyle factors and used to examine for effect modification by infant sex. RESULTS In single-pollutant models, mono-benzyl phthalate and di-n -butyl phthalate were inversely associated with percentage fat mass [β : - 0.49 (95% CI: - 0.91 , - 0.08 ) and - 0.51 (95% CI: - 1.02 , 0.01), respectively] in male but not female infants at birth. Similar, but less precise, associations were observed at 5 months of age. In multipollutant models, a 1-quartile increase in the phthalate and phenol biomarker mixture was inversely associated with percentage fat mass at birth [- 1.06 (95% CI: - 2.21 , 0.1)] and at 5 months of age [- 2.14 (95% CI: - 3.88 , - 0.39 )] among males, but associations were null among females [0.48 (95% CI: - 0.78 , 1.75) and - 0.64 (95% CI: - 2.68 , 1.41), respectively]. Similar associations were observed with infant weight. CONCLUSION In this U.S.-based prospective cohort, gestational phthalate and phenol biomarkers were inversely associated with infant weight and fat mass, particularly in males. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12500.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R. Stevens
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anne P. Starling
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Paige A. Bommarito
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexander P. Keil
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dorothy Nakiwala
- Center for Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John L. Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Public Health Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Center for Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kelly K. Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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20
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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.
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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
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Combellick J, Ibrahim BB, Scharer K, Brickley T, Julien T, Kennedy HP. Applying Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic to Future Threats to the Perinatal Care System. J Midwifery Womens Health 2023; 68:333-339. [PMID: 36905175 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health care systems will continue to face unpredictable challenges related to climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic tested the ability of perinatal care systems to respond to extreme disruption. Many childbearing people in the United States opted out of the mainstream choice of hospital birth during the pandemic, leading to a 19.5% increase in community birth between 2019 and 2020. The aim of the study was to understand the experiences and priorities of childbearing people as they sought to preserve a safe and satisfying birth during the time of extreme health care disruption caused by the pandemic. METHODS This exploratory qualitative study recruited participants from a sample of respondents to a national-scope web-based survey that explored experiences of pregnancy and birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maximal variation sampling was used to invite survey respondents who had considered a variety of birth setting, perinatal care provider, and care model options to participate in individual interviews. A conventional content analysis approach was used with coding categories derived directly from the transcribed interviews. RESULTS Interviews were conducted with 18 individuals. Results were reported around 4 domains: (1) respect and autonomy in decision-making, (2) high-quality care, (3) safety, and (4) risk assessment and informed choice. Respect and autonomy varied by birth setting and perinatal care provider type. Quality of care and safety were described in relational and physical terms. Childbearing people prioritized alignment with their personal philosophies toward birth as they weighed safety. Although levels of stress and fear were elevated, many felt empowered by the sudden opportunity to consider new options. DISCUSSION Disaster preparedness and health system strengthening should address the importance childbearing people place on the relational aspects of care, need for options in decision-making, timely and accurate information sharing, and opportunity for a range of safe and supported birth settings. Mechanisms are needed to build system-level changes that respond to the self-expressed needs and priorities of childbearing people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tess Brickley
- Yale University School of Nursing, Orange, Connecticut
| | - Tamika Julien
- Yale University School of Nursing, Orange, Connecticut
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Sobczak A, Taylor L, Solomon S, Ho J, Kemper S, Phillips B, Jacobson K, Castellano C, Ring A, Castellano B, Jacobs RJ. The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e39451. [PMID: 37378162 PMCID: PMC10292163 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A source of support during birth could be the solution to negative outcomes for the mother and her baby. To improve the birthing experience and increase positive birthing outcomes, sources of support during pregnancy should be evaluated and understood. The goal of this review was to synthesize the existing literature on how doulas might improve birth outcomes. This scoping review also aimed to shed light on the positive impact emotional support during childbirth can have on the health and well-being of mother and child. PubMed and EBSCOhost were used to identify articles using the search words with Boolean operators "doulas" AND "labor support" AND "birth outcomes" AND "pregnancy" AND "effects during labor." The eligibility criteria for article selection included primary studies investigating how doulas contributed to birth outcomes. The studies in this review indicated that doula guidance in perinatal care was associated with positive delivery outcomes including reduced cesarean sections, premature deliveries, and length of labor. Moreover, the emotional support provided by doulas was seen to reduce anxiety and stress. Doula support, specifically in low-income women, was shown to improve breastfeeding success, with quicker lactogenesis and continued breastfeeding weeks after childbirth. Doulas can be a great resource for birthing mothers, and consideration should be given to using them more, as they may have a positive impact on the well-being of the mother and child. This study raised questions about the accessibility of doulas and how they may help mitigate health disparities among women from different socioeconomic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Sobczak
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Lauren Taylor
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Sydney Solomon
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Jodi Ho
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Scotland Kemper
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Brandon Phillips
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Kailey Jacobson
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Courteney Castellano
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Ashley Ring
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Brianna Castellano
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Robin J Jacobs
- Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
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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.
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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
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24
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Cowell W, Jacobson MH, Long SE, Wang Y, Kahn LG, Ghassabian A, Naidu M, Torshizi GD, Afanasyeva Y, Liu M, Mehta-Lee SS, Brubaker SG, Kannan K, Trasande L. Maternal urinary bisphenols and phthalates in relation to estimated fetal weight across mid to late pregnancy. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 174:107922. [PMID: 37075581 PMCID: PMC10165618 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenols and phthalates are high production volume chemicals used as additives in a variety of plastic consumer products leading to near ubiquitous human exposure. These chemicals have established endocrine disrupting properties and have been linked to a range of adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes. Here, we investigated exposure in relation to fetal growth. METHODS Participants included 855 mother-fetal pairs enrolled in the population-based New York University Children's Health and Environment Study (NYU CHES). Bisphenols and phthalates were measured in maternal urine collected repeatedly during pregnancy. Analyses included 15 phthalate metabolites and 2 bisphenols that were detected in 50 % of participants or more. Fetal biometry data were extracted from electronic ultrasonography records and estimated fetal weight (EFW) was predicted for all fetuses at 20, 30, and 36 weeks gestation. We used quantile regression adjusted for covariates to model exposure-outcome relations across percentiles of fetal weight at each gestational timepoint. We examined sex differences using stratified models. RESULTS Few statistically significant associations were observed across chemicals, gestational time periods, percentiles, and sexes. However, within gestational timepoints, we found that among females, the molar sums of the phthalates DiNP and DnOP were generally associated with decreases in EFW among smaller babies and increases in EFW among larger babies. Among males, the opposite trend was observed. However, confidence intervals were generally wide at the tails of the distribution. CONCLUSION In this sample, exposure to bisphenols and phthalates was associated with small sex-specific shifts in fetal growth; however, few associations were observed at the median of fetal weight and confidence intervals in the tails were wide. Findings were strongest for DiNP and DnOP, which are increasingly used as replacements for DEHP, supporting the need for future research on these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Cowell
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Melanie H Jacobson
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sara E Long
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yuyan Wang
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Linda G Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mrudula Naidu
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Yelena Afanasyeva
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mengling Liu
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shilpi S Mehta-Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sara G Brubaker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States; NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, NY, United States; NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States
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Abstract
Race is a social and power construct whose meaning has shifted over time. Racist beliefs in medicine fostered the continuation of these notions. In this commentary, we review race-based medicine versus race-conscious medicine. Race-conscious medicine emphasizes racism as a key determinant of illness and health. Racism in obstetrics and gynecology has deep roots in its history. The use of race in clinical decision-making tools, such as those that predict successful vaginal birth after cesarean delivery, should be eliminated. Research that explores the complexities of health disparities and their effects on clinical outcomes are pivotal to race-conscious approaches in medicine.
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Womack SR, Beam CR, Giangrande EJ, Scharf RJ, Tong X, Ponnapalli M, Davis DW, Turkheimer E. Nonlinear Catch-Up Growth in Height, Weight, and Head Circumference from Birth to Adolescence: A Longitudinal Twin Study. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2005347. [PMID: 36798196 PMCID: PMC9934774 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2005347/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Owing to high rates of prenatal complications, twins are, on average, substantially smaller than population norms on physical measurements including height, weight, and head circumference at birth. By early childhood, twins are physically average. This study is the first to explore the process of catch-up growth by fitting asymptotic growth models to age-standardized height, weight, and head circumference measurements in a community sample of twins ( n = 1,281, 52.3% female) followed at up to 17 time points from birth to 15 years. Catch-up growth was rapid over the first year and plateaued around the population mean by early childhood. Shared environmental factors accounted for the majority of individual differences in initial physical size (57.7%-65.5%), whereas additive genetic factors accounted for the majority of individual differences in the upper asymptotes of height, weight, and head circumference (73.4%-92.6%). Both additive genetic and shared environmental factors were associated with variance in how quickly twins caught up. Gestational age and family SES emerged as important environmental correlates of physical catch-up growth.
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Urizar GG, Murillo J, Miller K. Factors Associated with Prenatal Health Behaviors among Low-Income, Ethnic Minority Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1695. [PMID: 36767060 PMCID: PMC9914291 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Less than one-third of pregnant women in the U.S. meet prenatal nutrition, exercise, and stress management health behavior guidelines. Low rates of these prenatal health behaviors have been especially observed among low-income, ethnic minority women, placing them and their infants at a disproportionally higher risk for health complications. Yet, few studies have identified factors associated with these prenatal health behaviors in this population. This study examined whether certain demographic (e.g., ethnicity) and psychosocial characteristics (i.e., coping, stress, pregnancy-specific stress, and depression) were associated with prenatal nutrition (i.e., high-fat food and fruit and vegetable intake), exercise, and stress management health behaviors in 100 low-income, pregnant women (39% African American, 30% foreign-born Latinas, 15% U.S.-born Latinas, 10% non-Hispanic white, and 6% Asian American/Pacific Islander) in southern California using an embedded, mixed-methods, cross-sectional design. Results demonstrated that ethnic minority women who experienced more stress and used more maladaptive coping strategies (e.g., avoidance) were particularly at risk of consuming more high-fat foods and engaging in less exercise and stress management during pregnancy. Qualitative responses revealed women's experiences with these prenatal health behaviors. These findings highlight the need for interventions and collaborative care models that target psychosocial factors in order to optimize prenatal health behaviors and health outcomes among ethnic minority women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido G. Urizar
- Department of Psychology, California State University, 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840-0901, USA
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28
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Alexander K, Clary‐Muronda V. A scoping review of interventions seeking to improve aspects of patient–provider relationships involving Black pregnant and post‐partum people. J Adv Nurs 2022; 79:2014-2024. [PMID: 36511439 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To provide a map of the evidence related to interventions targeting patient-provider relationships among Black perinatal people. DESIGN A scoping review of the literature was conducted. DATA SOURCES The database search included English language articles within three databases: PubMed, the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Medline without date restriction on June 15 and16 2022. REVIEW METHODS This scoping review used the six-stage process first described by Arksey and O'Malley and recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute: (1) specify the research question, (2) identify relevant literature, (3) select studies, (4) map out the data, (5) synthesize, and report the results and (6) consult experts. Studies were included if they (1) reported results of intervention studies related to patient-provider interaction, (2) were written in English and (3) were original research. The articles were reviewed with content analysis methodology to categorize and interpret the findings. RESULTS Studies included randomized controlled trials (n = 5) and qualitative studies (n = 3) published between 2001 and 2018. Black pregnant people made up more than half of the participants in five of the eight studies (63%). Interventions were divided into three categories: delivery models (n = 4), mHealth risk assessment tools (n = 2) and patient-provider communication tools (n = 2). CONCLUSION This study addressed the unknown role of patient-provider relationship interventions in improving the quality of care received by Black perinatal people. Findings suggest that structural and interpersonal components may have the potential to improve outcomes for Black pregnant people but could be further improved if culturally tailored. Further research is urgently needed to address discrimination and stigma in patient-provider relationships. The findings of this study could inform novel intervention development and should drive research. IMPACT A scoping review determined that there are no interventions with Black pregnant people which targeted discrimination and bias in patient-provider relationships. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The authors did not include stakeholders such as patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public in the development of this scoping review, as it is a work that serves to set the stage for further community-based work. The results will however be communicated to community members at a planned advisory board in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valerie Clary‐Muronda
- Jefferson College of Nursing Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
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29
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Erbetta K, Almeida J, Waldman MR. Racial, ethnic and nativity inequalities in gestational diabetes mellitus: The role of racial discrimination. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101176. [PMID: 35928172 PMCID: PMC9343416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Erbetta
- Simmons University, 300 the Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Joanna Almeida
- Simmons University, 300 the Fenway, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marcus R. Waldman
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, 42nd and Emile, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
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Larrabee Sonderlund A, Charifson M, Ortiz R, Khan M, Schoenthaler A, Williams NJ. A comprehensive framework for operationalizing structural racism in health research: The association between mass incarceration of Black people in the U.S. and adverse birth outcomes. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101225. [PMID: 36177482 PMCID: PMC9513165 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural racism represents a key determinant of the racial health disparities that has characterized the U.S. population throughout its existence. While this reality has recently begun to gain increasing acknowledgment and acceptance within the health sciences, there are still considerable challenges related to defining the concept of structural racism and operationalizing it in empirical study. In this paper, building on the existing evidence base, we propose a comprehensive framework that centers structural racism in terms of its historical roots and continued manifestation in most domains of society, and offer solutions for the study of this phenomenon and the pathways that connect it to population-level health disparities. We showcase our framework by applying it to the known link between spatial and racialized clustering of incarceration - a previously cited representation of structural racism - and disparities in adverse birth outcomes. Through this process we hypothesize pathways that focus on social cohesion and community-level chronic stress, community crime and police victimization, as well as infrastructural community disinvestment. First, we contextualize these mechanisms within the relevant extant literature. Then, we make recommendations for future empirical pathway analyses. Finally, we identify key areas for policy, community, and individual-level interventions that target the impact of concentrated incarceration on birth outcomes among Black people in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Larrabee Sonderlund
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Mia Charifson
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
- Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Robin Ortiz
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Maria Khan
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Antoinette Schoenthaler
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Natasha J. Williams
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, USA
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31
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Ulrich S. Scaling the Strong Start Birth Centers: Promoting Equitable Maternity Outcomes. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:712-715. [PMID: 35298235 PMCID: PMC9010914 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.306802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Ulrich
- Suzan Ulrich is with the School of Nursing at George Washington University, Washington, DC
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32
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Stevens DR, Bommarito PA, Keil AP, McElrath TF, Trasande L, Barrett ES, Bush NR, Nguyen RHN, Sathyanarayana S, Swan S, Ferguson KK. Urinary phthalate metabolite mixtures in pregnancy and fetal growth: Findings from the infant development and the environment study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107235. [PMID: 35429919 PMCID: PMC9075822 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal phthalate exposure has been linked to reductions in fetal growth in animal and laboratory studies, but epidemiologic evidence is equivocal. OBJECTIVE Examine the association between prenatal phthalate metabolite mixtures and fetal growth and evaluate whether that association is modified by fetal sex or omega-3 intake during pregnancy. METHODS Analyses included 604 singleton pregnancies from TIDES, a prospective pregnancy cohort with spot urine samples and questionnaires collected in each trimester. Pregnancy-averaged phthalate exposure estimates were calculated as the geometric means of specific-gravity corrected phthalate metabolites. Fetal growth outcomes included birthweight and length, and ultrasound-derived size and velocity of estimated fetal weight, femur length, abdominal and head circumferences in the second and third trimesters. We used a novel application of quantile g-computation to estimate the joint association between pregnancy-averaged phthalate exposure and fetal growth, and to examine effect modification of that association by infant sex or omega-3 intake during pregnancy. RESULTS There were few statistically significant differences in birth size and fetal growth by exposure. A one-quartile increase in the phthalate mixture was modestly associated with reduced birthweight(β [95% confidence interval)]: -54.6 [-128.9, 19.7] grams; p = 0.15) and length (-0.2 [-0.6, 0.2] centimeters; p = 0.40). A one-quartile increase in the phthalate mixture was associated with reduced birth length in males (-0.5 [-1.0, 0.0] centimeters) but not for females (0.1 [-0.2, 0.3] centimeters); interaction p = 0.05. The phthalate metabolite mixture was inversely associated with ultrasound-derived fetal growth among those with adequate omega-3 intake. For example, a one-quartile increase in the phthalate mixture was associated with reduced abdominal circumference in the third trimesters in those with adequate omega-3 intake (-3.3 [-6.8, 0.1] millimeters) but not those with inadequate omega-3 intake (1.8 [-0.8, 4.5] millimeters); interaction p = 0.01. CONCLUSION Prenatal phthalate exposure was not significantly associated with fetal growth outcomes, with some exceptions for certain subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Stevens
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Paige A Bommarito
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Alexander P Keil
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Thomas F McElrath
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Departments of Pediatrics, Environmental Medicine, and Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry Behavioral Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ruby H N Nguyen
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shanna Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA.
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Gaston SA, Jackson CL. Invited Commentary: The Need for Repeated Measures and Other Methodological Considerations When Investigating Discrimination as a Contributor to Health. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:379-383. [PMID: 34431505 PMCID: PMC9214250 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab223] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To determine potential measurement error related to the assessment of lifetime discrimination, Van Dyke et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2022;191(3):370-378) investigated inconsistencies in reporting of racial, socioeconomic status, and sex discrimination over time among Black and White adults enrolled in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. The authors found that "ever" reports of discrimination (as assessed by the Experiences of Discrimination Scale) decreased over time and that populations who most experience discrimination (i.e., Black/African-American people, younger persons, persons of low socioeconomic status, and women) were often also the most likely to inconsistently report discrimination over the course of the study period (from 1992 to 2010). The authors have raised an important issue related to the potential underestimation of lifetime discrimination that may depend on when discrimination is assessed, as well as the social identity of individuals surveyed. With implications for health inequities, these findings highlight study design and methodological issues that should be addressed to accurately estimate the true burden discrimination places on health. In this commentary, we further illuminate potential methodological challenges and opportunities to consider when investigating the impact of discrimination on health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandra L Jackson
- Correspondence to Dr. Chandra L. Jackson, Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 T.W. Alexander Drive, MD A3-05, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 (e-mail: )
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Harris RA, Chen D, Santos HP. Which roads lead to depression in Latinas? A network analysis of prenatal depressive symptoms, discrimination, acculturative stress, and low birth weight. Res Nurs Health 2022; 45:350-363. [PMID: 35088896 PMCID: PMC9064940 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Although immigrant mothers from some Latinx subgroups initially achieve healthy birth outcomes despite lower socioeconomic status, this advantage deteriorates across generations in the United States. Interpersonal discrimination and acculturative stress may interact with economic hardship to predict an intergenerational cascade of emotional and biological vulnerabilities, particularly perinatal depression. Network analyses may elucidate not only how and which psychosocial experiences relate to depressive symptoms, but which symptom-to-symptom relationships emerge. This study aims to understand (1) how economic, acculturative, and discrimination stressors relate to prenatal depression and low birth weight and (2) how Latinas may respond to and cope with stressors by exploring symptom-symptom and symptom-experience relationships. A sample of 151 pregnant Latinas (predominantly foreign-born and Mexican and Central American descent) completed the EPDS and psychosocial questionnaires (discrimination, acculturation, acculturative stress, economic hardship) during pregnancy (24-32 weeks). Birth weights were recorded from postpartum medical records. We created network models using the Extended Bayesian Information Criterion Graphical Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator to estimate the relationship between variables. Discrimination exposure connected psychosocial stressors to depressive symptoms, particularly worry, crying, sadness, and self-blame. Discrimination also revealed a connection between acculturation and low birth weight. Furthermore, younger age of migration and greater acculturation levels were correlated to greater discrimination stress and low birth weights. Perinatal research in Latinas must account not only for measures of cultural adaptation but recognize how developmental exposures across the life span, including discrimination, may be associated with adverse health trajectories for a mother and her child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Alvarado Harris
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daqi Chen
- Statistics and Operational Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hudson P Santos
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Larrabee Sonderlund A, Charifson M, Schoenthaler A, Carson T, Williams NJ. Racialized economic segregation and health outcomes: A systematic review of studies that use the Index of Concentration at the Extremes for race, income, and their interaction. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262962. [PMID: 35089963 PMCID: PMC8797220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive research shows that residential segregation has severe health consequences for racial and ethnic minorities. Most research to date has operationalized segregation in terms of either poverty or race/ethnicity rather than a synergy of these factors. A novel version of the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICERace-Income) specifically assesses racialized economic segregation in terms of spatial concentrations of racial and economic privilege (e.g., wealthy white people) versus disadvantage (e.g., poor Black people) within a given area. This multidimensional measure advances a more comprehensive understanding of residential segregation and its consequences for racial and ethnic minorities. The aim of this paper is to critically review the evidence on the association between ICERace-Income and health outcomes. We implemented the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a rigorous search of academic databases for papers linking ICERace-Income with health. Twenty articles were included in the review. Studies focused on the association of ICERace-Income with adverse birth outcomes, cancer, premature and all-cause mortality, and communicable diseases. Most of the evidence indicates a strong association between ICERace-Income and each health outcome, underscoring income as a key mechanism by which segregation produces health inequality along racial and ethnic lines. Two of the reviewed studies examined racial disparities in comorbidities and health care access as potential explanatory factors underlying this relationship. We discuss our findings in the context of the extant literature on segregation and health and propose new directions for future research and applications of the ICERace-Income measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Larrabee Sonderlund
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mia Charifson
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Antoinette Schoenthaler
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Traci Carson
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Natasha J. Williams
- Center for Healthful Behavior Change, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, New York, New York, United States of America
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The contribution of racism-related stress and adversity to disparities in birth outcomes: evidence and research recommendations. F S Rep 2021; 3:5-13. [PMID: 35937456 PMCID: PMC9349247 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, racial and ethnic differences in adverse birth outcomes and infant mortality are some of the largest and most persistent health disparities in the United States. This narrative review article synthesizes existing literature to present a conceptual model of how racism-related stress and adversity are critical determinants of such disparities. We describe how historical and ongoing racism has created conditions wherein women of color are disproportionately exposed to chronic, multilayered stress and adversity and how the biological consequences of exposure to these stressors confers risk for adverse birth outcomes. Next, we identify important priorities and considerations for future research, including the heterogeneity of racism-related stressors, biomarkers and mechanisms, chronicity and sensitive periods of exposure, developmental programming of lifespan health, resilience, and community-engaged research methodologies. Historical and ongoing racism has created conditions wherein women of color are disproportionately exposed to stress and adversity. The consequences of exposure to racism-related stress and adversity can confer risk for health conditions implicated in adverse birth outcomes and alter maternal physiology associated with fetal development and timing of parturition. Conjointly studying racism-related stress, biologic profiles, and birth outcomes is a priority for future research. It is important to identify factors that mitigate the impact of racism-related stress and adversity on birth outcomes.
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Racial Discrimination and Stress Across the Life Course: Associations With Prenatal Inflammation, Perceived Stress, and Depressive Symptoms. Nurs Res 2021; 70:S21-S30. [PMID: 34173372 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among Black Americans, interpersonal racial discrimination is common. Stress, including following discrimination, contributes to pregnancy complications. In this secondary analysis, we provide data on associations among discrimination, stress, and their interaction across the life course and inflammation, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms during pregnancy. METHODS During the early third trimester, Black American women (n = 93) completed the Experiences of Discrimination Scale, the Stress and Adversity Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Inventory. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-β levels were quantified. Associations were examined by linear regression, controlling for demographic, behavioral, and clinical covariates. RESULTS Associations among racial discrimination and plasma IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-β levels depended upon average ratings of life course stress. When stress was low, discrimination in the mid tertile was associated with the highest levels of IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-β. Subscale analyses suggested that findings related to IL-8 were driven by chronic stress whereas findings related to TNF-α and IL-β were driven by acute stress. When examined together, greater discrimination but not greater life course stress was associated with higher prenatal perceived stress. In subscale analyses, the association between discrimination and prenatal perceived stress depended upon average ratings of life course acute stress. When acute stress was low, discrimination in the midtertile was associated with the highest levels of prenatal perceived stress. When acute stress was high, discrimination in the high tertile was associated with the highest levels of prenatal perceived stress. There were also direct associations among greater life course chronic stress, prenatal perceived stress, and prenatal depressive symptoms. Associations were attenuated when discrimination was included as a covariate. CONCLUSIONS The current analyses suggest that, among Black Americans, prenatal inflammation, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms may be shaped by racial discrimination and stress across the life course. In many cases, associations among discrimination and prenatal parameters depended upon how stressful exposures to life course stressors had been rated. The data suggest the potential for adaptive plasticity under some stress and highlight the deleterious nature of compounding stress.
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