Black women experience significantly higher rates of preterm births compared to white women, and while some of these cases can be explained by heart issues and social factors, the majority remain unexplained.
However, a new study reveals that focusing on these known factors could lead to better birth outcomes. Social determinants of health, such as income, education, insurance, and access to care, play a crucial role in this disparity.
Dr. Sadiya Khan, a cardiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue. “This represents a significant number of individuals at a higher risk for adverse health outcomes, and the disparity between non-Hispanic Black and white individuals is striking,” she says.
The higher rates of preterm births in Black women contribute to lifelong health disparities, including an increased risk of heart disease in adulthood and developmental delays.
According to the study, in 2019, nearly 12% of Black people experienced preterm births compared to 7% of White people. Heart health before pregnancy accounted for 8% of this disparity, while social determinants explained another 20%.
This groundbreaking study identifies specific maternal health and socioeconomic factors that can be targeted to improve birth outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, insurance coverage, access to prenatal care, and education.
Dr. Khan underscores the long-term implications of being born prematurely. “Differences that arise from early birth can have profound effects not only in the first year of life but throughout a person’s lifespan,” she states.
The research analyzed data from over 2 million individuals who gave birth in 2019, utilizing birth registration records from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics.
Preterm birth serves as a starting point for racial disparities throughout life, underscoring the need for improved healthcare access. Dr. Khan expressed concern about the loss of Medicaid coverage for millions of Americans, which impacts prenatal and cardiovascular care.
Understanding and addressing the underlying factors contributing to racial disparities in preterm birth is crucial for prevention and raising awareness. “We need to fully grasp the problem in order to solve it,” says Dr. Khan.
The study was funded by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine on August 7th.
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