The Role of Socioeconomic Factors in Black–White Disparities in Preterm Birth

• DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302008
• Publication Date: 2014-10-08T16:34:26Z
• Authors: Paula A. Braveman; Katherine Heck; Susan Egerter; Kristen S. Marchi; Tyan Parker Domin...; Catherine Cubbin; Kathryn Fingar; Jay A. Pearson; Michael Curtis
• Keywords: Birth certificate; Disadvantaged; White (mutation)

We investigated the role of socioeconomic factors in Black-White disparities preterm birth (PTB).We used population-based California Maternal and Infant Health Assessment survey certificate data on 10 400 US-born Black White residents who gave during 2003 to 2010 examine rates relative likelihoods PTB among versus women, with adjustment for multiple covariables.Greater advantage was generally associated lower but not women. There were no significant within most socioeconomically disadvantaged subgroups; seen only more advantaged subgroups.Socioeconomic play an important complex disparities. The absence certain subgroups, alongside substantial others, suggests that social moderate disparity. Further research should explore suggested by literature-including life course experiences racism-related stress, biological pathways through which they operate-as potential contributors women different levels advantage.