Interstate 10: How place predicts birth rates

Background:  There is growing evidence that place has a significant effect on health outcomes. Interstate 10 is the fourth longest Interstate Highway in the US, spanning from California to Florida. Its course intersects eight states, whose locations represent a range of political, economic, and demographic landscapes. This study explores how location predicts teen birth rates with reproductive health policy as a frame.  

Methods: We selected 30 of the most densely populated counties along I-10, listed their teen birth rates, and then calculated the distance of each county from the center of I-10. A Poisson regression will determine if the number of miles from the center of I-10 predicts teen birth rates. Profiles of each state’s reproductive health policies were created to compare sex education mandates, availability of emergency contraceptives, insurance coverage of contraceptives, etc. as context for understanding variability in birth rates and the role of place.  

Results: Preliminary results show that birth rates increase towards the middle of route I-10 and decrease towards the ends. Poisson regression models are being conducted to further validate these findings. Policy profiles will be displayed alongside their respective states as a contextual map for understanding variability in rates.  

Implications: This study contributes to the conversation about the intersection of place and health through the dual lens of geographic and demographic variables as well as state policies. This conversation is relevant given the major policy shifts instituted in recent years that affect a young person’s access to confidential and comprehensive reproductive health services.