Trends in maternal risk factors for premature births in rural New York state

The purpose of this study is two-fold: To examine trends of maternal risk factors that contribute to preterm and poorer birth outcomes in New York State counties and to describe differences in risk factors and birth outcomes among rural counties and between rural and urban counties.

This study is based on the assumption that women of childbearing age in rural areas are at risk for poorer birth outcomes. In 2004, about 10% of the rural population lived below poverty level. Eighty-four percent of rural adults are high school graduates and rural population has decreased by as much as 4% since 2000. Despite this decrease in population, Medicaid coverage for live births rose from 26% to 30% in rural countries from 2003 to 2006. As the economy declines and rural hospitals close, access to care for rural women becomes a greater challenge as women are forced to travel greater distances for prenatal care. County level data on risk factors such as birth rates, ethnicity, income levels, poverty levels, education, maternal lead levels, and percentage of Medicaid funding will be reported.

This presentation focuses on the differences in risk factors and birth outcomes between rural and urban counties. Contributions of factors such as socioeconomic status, funding, and access to quality prenatal care on birth outcomes will be analyzed. These analyses are expected to contribute to public health nurses' awareness of maternal risk factors in rural areas and to identify areas of need that can lead to policy recommendations.