Social Determinants of Premature Birth

Abstract

Social determinants of health have received increasing attention in public health, leading to increased understanding of how social factors-individual and contextual-shape the health of the mother and infant. However, racial differences in birth outcomes persist, with incomplete explanation for the widening disparity. Here, we highlight the social determinants of preterm birth, with special attention to the social experiences among African American women, which are likely attributed to structural racism and discrimination throughout life.

Keywords: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; Low birthweight; Maternal and Child Health; Nerve growth factor; Racial disparity; Structural racism.