Statistics indicate that approximately 15 million babies are born prematurely every year worldwide. Complications associated with preterm deliveries are the leading cause of deaths among children under five years. Researchers estimate that about 2015 babies who were born before 37 weeks of pregnancy died before their fifth birthday. In the US, the rate of premature births has been on the rise, and today, about 1 out of 10 newborns are born too early (World Health Organization, 2018). Furthermore, ethnic and racial differences in preterm births are still apparent in US society. Preterm births serve as indicators of the population health, which helps to forecast the next generation’s health. In essence, infants who are born prematurely are prevalent to health complications stemming from issues like underdeveloped immune systems, difficulties in feeding and, breathing problems, among others. As such, mortality rate is significantly high among preterm babies and those who survive often develop health complications like learning disabilities and other chronic diseases. Preterm births are a social-economic severe problem as it cost the federal government over $26 billion every year. This cost covers expenses like extra medical intervention services, healthcare costs for the babies and, special education. Since minority communities like African Americans are the most affected population, interventions targeting them will considerably reduce the number of preterm births in the US. This paper analyzes ways in which the government can reduce the prevalence of preterm births among African American women
Target Population
Studies indicate that several risk factors contribute to preterm births rand some of them have not yet been identified. Other than issues like pregnancy complications and substance abuse, an array of social, political, and, cultural factors can contribute to preterm births. Studies indicate that African American women are 60 percent more likely to have premature births compared to white women. Reports released by the CDC reveal that premature births were 16. Five percent of Black women and only 10.3 percent among white women. Experts attribute the high rate of preterm births among African American women to social determinants of health. This point is undermined by the fact that Hispanic women face similar social determinants of health as Black women, but their rate of preterm births is relatively low.
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Given that premature births are highest among African Americans, identifying interventions that target this population will have a significant impact on the reduction of preterm births in the US. Healthy People 2020 project aims to address the problem of premature and low birth weight as they have a direct effect on the population’s health. Every year 12 percent of babies are born prematurely, which increases infant mortality rate. Preterm babies who survive are at a high risk of developing major health complications placing a considerable burden on a healthcare system that is already strained. Preconception and inter-conception care help prevent health complications to both the mother and baby. For this reason, Healthy People 2020 project encourage individuals to undertake necessary measures such as proper nutrition to reduce preterm births.
Summary of Articles
According to Mohamed et al. (2015), African American women are at high risk of having premature babies compared to Hispanics and Whites. Statistics released in 2014 revealed that 16.5 Black women gave birth to preterm babies, but the figures were relatively low among Whites and Hispanics, 10.3 and 11.6 percent respectively. The high incidence of preterm births among Black women is attributed to various social determinants of health. However, the CDC has reported that social determinants of health that affect black women are similar to those affecting Hispanics. Soltani et al. (2019) explain that most preterm births are associated with infections and inflammations. Stimulation of therapeutic targets by increases vital components like Vitamin D can improve prevention of diseases that increases chances of early deliveries. Mohamed et al. (2015) state that a correlation exists between Hypovitaminosis D and one’s risk of preterm birth. Vitamin D deficiency in black women is linked to reduced penetration of UV light as a result of high pigmentation. The outcome of high pigmentation is the reduction of the synthesis of cutaneous Vitamin D. These findings illustrate that provision of Vitamin D supplements can significantly reduce the rate of preterm births among African American women.
Gavin, Grote, & Conner (2018) attribute the increased risk of preterm births among African American women to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from lifelong exposure to racial discrimination. This view is supported by Grote & Fentress (2019), who point out that pregnancy exacts stress on the body. For people who have been under lifelong pressure due to poverty, discrimination and, segregation their chances of fighting the pressure exerted on their bodies by pregnancy become limited. Factors like Interpersonal violence and severe socio-political stressors have been found to contribute to preterm births among the targeted population (Krieger, Huynh, Li, & Waterman, 2015). Other contributors to preterm births among blacks are short inter-pregnancy intervals and the mother’s physical weakness.
Health Promotion Discussion
Tackling the issue of premature births should involve the education of the affected population about the risk factors that they are exposed to and how they can prevent them. Even though experts are yet to understand all the causes of preterm births, available research illustrates that the risk of premature births is increased by aspects like stress and mother’s health before and after pregnancy. Health campaigns can utilize various platforms, including social media, to reach African American women. The campaigns need to clarify the dangers of premature births and the factors that increase the Black’s community chances of undergoing preterm births. Women can be educated about the measures that they can undertake to reduce the risk of such occurrences. In other words, health campaign aimed to curb preterm births needs to focus on lifestyle reforms.
Available research indicates that environmental stressors like socio-political unrests increase one’s risk of preterm births. Other causes are infections and lifestyle choices like substance abuse. Whereas certain factors are beyond an individual’s control, issues like infections and substance abuse could be prevented. For instance, women should be encouraged to lead healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition and exercise. Such measures allow a woman to maintain the right weight before and during pregnancy.
Additionally, women should be encouraged to refrain from the use of drugs like alcohol and tobacco. Lastly, the campaign to end preterm and underweight births should focus on promoting a culture of undertaking regular medical check-ups. In essence, one should attend prenatal care as soon as she thinks that she is pregnant. Collectively, these measures reduce the risk of developing complications that might lead to preterm births.
References
Gavin , A. R., Grote , N., & Conner , K. O. (2018). Racial Discrimination and Preterm Birth among African American Women: The Important Role of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice, 11 (4), 91-109.
Grote, N., & Fentress , T. (2019). Discrimination, PTSD may lead to High Preterm-birth Rates among African -American Women. University of Washington Public RElease .
Krieger, N., Huynh, M., Li, W., & Waterman, P. D. (2015). Severe sociopolitical stressors and preterm births in New York City. Epidemiology & Community Health, 72 (2).
Mohamed , S. A., Thota, C., Browne, P. C., Diamond , M. P., & Al-Hendy , A. (2015). Why is Preterm Birth Stubbornly Higher in African-Americans? NCBI, 3 (1).
Soltani , M., Tabatabaee, H. R., Saeidinejat, S., Eslahi , M., Yaghoobi , H., Mazloumi , E., & Rajabi , A. (2019). Assessing the risk factors before pregnancy of preterm births in Iran: a population-based case-control study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth .
World Health Organization. (2018, February 19). Preterm Birth. World Health Organization . Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth
