Stanhope KK, Kapila P, Umerani A, Hossain A, Abu-Salah M, Singisetti V, Carter S, Boulet SL. Political representation and perinatal outcomes to Black, White, and Hispanic people in Georgia: a cross-sectional study.
Ann Epidemiol 2023;
87:S1047-2797(23)00167-9. [PMID:
37689094 PMCID:
PMC10842944 DOI:
10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.09.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE
Our goal was to estimate differences in perinatal outcomes by racial differences in political representation, a measure of structural racism.
METHODS
We gathered data on the racial composition of county-level elected officials for all counties in Georgia (n = 159) in 2022. We subtracted the percent of non-White elected officials from the percent of non-White residents to calculate the "representation difference," with greater positive values indicating a larger disparity. We linked this to data from 2020-2021 birth certificates (n = 238,795) on outcomes (preterm birth, <37 weeks, low birthweight birth <2500 g, birthweight, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cesarean delivery). We fit log binomial and linear models with generalized estimating equations, stratified by individual race/ethnicity and including individual and county covariates.
RESULTS
Median representation difference was 17.5% points (interquartile range: 17.2). A 25-percentile point increase in representation difference was associated with a greater risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [White: adjusted risk ratio (RR): 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.05, 1.2), Black: 1.06, 95% CI: (0.95, 1.17), other: 1.14, 95% CI: (1.0, 1.3), Hispanic: 1.19, 95% CI: (1.07, 1.32)] and lower mean birthweight for Black birthing people [adjusted beta -15.3, 95% CI: (-25.5, -7.4)].
CONCLUSIONS
Parity in political representation may be associated with healthier environments.
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