Trends in US Preterm Birth Rates by Household Income and Race and Ethnicity

How have US preterm birth trends varied by household income over time, and to what extent are race and ethnicity associated with this variance?In this cross-sectional study of 411 469 births using 2011-2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data, preterm birth rates increased among low-income households (<200% of the federal poverty level) but remained stable among higher-income households. Race moderated the association between income and preterm birth; Black mothers had the highest preterm birth rates across all income levels.In this study, racial and ethnic disparities in the preterm birth rate persisted, suggesting that interventions addressing income alone may be insufficient to reduce inequities in preterm birth.

Corresponding Author: Erika G. Cordova-Ramos, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, 801 Albany St, Office 2011, Roxbury, MA 02119 (gabriela.cordovaramos@bmc.org).

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