MPC Member Publications

This database contains a listing of population studies publications written by MPC Members. Anyone can add a publication by an MPC student, faculty, or staff member to this database; new citations will be reviewed and approved by MPC administrators.

Full Citation

Title: Structural racism, racial inequities and urban–rural differences in infant mortality in the US

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2021

ISSN: 0143-005X

DOI: 10.1136/JECH-2020-214260

PMID: 33504545

Abstract: Background While evidence shows considerable geographic variations in county-level racial inequities in infant mortality, the role of structural racism across urban–rural lines remains unexplored. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between county-level structural racism (racial inequity in educational attainment, median household income and jail incarceration) and infant mortality and heterogeneity between urban and rural areas. Methods Using linked live birth/infant death data provided by the National Center for Health Statistics, we calculated overall and race-specific 2013–2017 5-year infant mortality rates (IMRs) per 1000 live births in every county. Racially stratified and area-stratified negative binomial regression models estimated IMR ratios and 95% CIs associated with structural racism indicators, adjusting for county-level confounders. Adjusted linear regression models estimated associations between structural racism indicators and the absolute and relative racial inequity in IMR. Results In urban counties, structural racism indicators were associated with 7%–8% higher black IMR, and an overall structural racism score was associated with 9% greater black IMR; however, these findings became insignificant when adjusting for the region. In white population, structural racism indicators and the overall structural racism score were associated with a 6% decrease in urban white IMR. Both absolute and relative racial inequity in IMR were exacerbated in urban counties with greater levels of structural racism. Conclusions Our findings highlight the complex relationship between structural racism and population health across urban–rural lines and suggest its contribution to the maintenance of health inequities in urban settings.

Url: https://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2021/01/26/jech-2020-214260

Url: https://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2021/01/26/jech-2020-214260.abstract

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Vilda, Dovile; Hardeman, Rachel; Dyer, Lauren; Theall, Katherine; Wallace, Maeve

Periodical (Full): J Epidemiol Community Health

Issue:

Volume: 0

Pages: 1-6

Countries:

IPUMS NHGIS NAPP IHIS ATUS Terrapop