The costs of SES: Does socioeconomic status affect preterm birth rates?

Kohrt Commons; Plyler Hall

The aim of this research was to study and investigate the impact of socioeconomic status on preterm birth rates; examining the role that race plays as a determinant of preterm birth. Preterm birth occurs when a baby is born prematurely, prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy have been completed (CDC, 2018). The developing baby progresses through several important growth stages crucial for the development of the lungs, brain, liver and many other organs. Failing to go through the essential growth stages has the potential to cause a variety of health complications including breathing abnormalities, feeding complications and vision problems. Data from 2016 shows that 1 of every 10 infants in the United States were affected by preterm birth. While alarming, other data confirms that there was a decrease in preterm birth rates between 2007 and 2014. The decrease in preterm birth rates can be attributed to declining rates of births to young mothers. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that several racial differences exist with preterm birth rates. The rate of preterm birth was fourteen percent in African-American women and nine percent in white women in 2016 (CDC, 2018). It is important to consider the extent to which race determines preterm birth. Gaining a clear understanding of the symbiotic relationship between socioeconomic status and preterm birth provides context for studying the distinct role that race plays in preterm birth rates. Preterm birth has burdened certain groups at disproportionately high rates and it is important that researchers work diligently to find ways to eliminate racial disparities in preterm birth.