The color of health: how racism, segregation, and inequality affect the health and well-being of preterm infants and their families

Andrew F. Beck, Erika M. Edwards, Jeffrey D. Horbar, Elizabeth A. Howell, Marie C. McCormick, De Wayne M. Pursley

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

168 Scopus citations

Abstract

Racism, segregation, and inequality contribute to health outcomes and drive health disparities across the life course, including for newborn infants and their families. In this review, we address their effects on the health and well-being of newborn infants and their families with a focus on preterm birth. We discuss three causal pathways: increased risk; lower-quality care; and socioeconomic disadvantages that persist into infancy, childhood, and beyond. For each pathway, we propose specific interventions and research priorities that may remedy the adverse effects of racism, segregation, and inequality. Infants and their families will not realize the full benefit of advances in perinatal and neonatal care until we, collectively, accept our responsibility for addressing the range of determinants that shape long-term outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)227-234
Number of pages8
JournalPediatric Research
Volume87
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2020

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