Trends in Preterm Birth by Rural Status in the U.S.

Rates of infant mortality and preterm birth in the U.S. are among the highest of any industrialized nation and significant disparities in rates exist by maternal characteristics. We hypothesized that women in rural counties, compared to woman living in more urban communities, have higher rates of preterm birth, higher risk profiles, and maternal characteristics that account for a significant portion of rural/urban disparities in preterm birth.

This project used national birth certificate date for 2012-2016 obtained through the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems. The goal of this work was to understand variations in risk for preterm birth across urban/rural communities, which can shape policy recommendations to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

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