Alexandra L Nowak1, Carmen Giurgescu. 1. Alexandra L. Nowak is PhD Student at College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. The author can be reached via e-mail at ag5836@wayne.edu Carmen Giurgescu is an Assistant Professor at College of Nursing, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review is to report findings of published studies of the relationships between poor-quality built environments and negative birth outcomes. METHOD: Quantitative studies measuring various aspects of the built environment including property damage, housing damage, physical disorder, physical incivilities, nuisance, vacancy, tenure, occupancy, and structural deterioration and their effects on birth outcomes such as preterm birth, low birthweight, and small for gestational age were identified using Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and PsycINFO databases. RESULTS: A total of 2,059 abstracts were reviewed based on the search criteria. After excluding 2,051 studies that did not measure the relationship between the physical built environment and negative birth outcomes, eight studies were reviewed. Seven of the eight studies identified reported significant positive relationships between poor-quality built environment and negative birth outcomes. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A poor-quality built environment is related to negative birth outcomes, particularly for African American women. Nurses should assess conditions of the built environment of pregnant women. Women who experience psychological stress and/or depressive symptoms due to their built environment should be referred for mental health evaluation and treatment with the goal of improving maternal mental health and birth outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review is to report findings of published studies of the relationships between poor-quality built environments and negative birth outcomes. METHOD: Quantitative studies measuring various aspects of the built environment including property damage, housing damage, physical disorder, physical incivilities, nuisance, vacancy, tenure, occupancy, and structural deterioration and their effects on birth outcomes such as preterm birth, low birthweight, and small for gestational age were identified using Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and PsycINFO databases. RESULTS: A total of 2,059 abstracts were reviewed based on the search criteria. After excluding 2,051 studies that did not measure the relationship between the physical built environment and negative birth outcomes, eight studies were reviewed. Seven of the eight studies identified reported significant positive relationships between poor-quality built environment and negative birth outcomes. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A poor-quality built environment is related to negative birth outcomes, particularly for African American women. Nurses should assess conditions of the built environment of pregnant women. Women who experience psychological stress and/or depressive symptoms due to their built environment should be referred for mental health evaluation and treatment with the goal of improving maternal mental health and birth outcomes.
Authors: Lynn Phan; Weijun Yu; Jessica M Keralis; Krishay Mukhija; Pallavi Dwivedi; Kimberly D Brunisholz; Mehran Javanmardi; Tolga Tasdizen; Quynh C Nguyen Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-05-22 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Lizbeth Burgos Ochoa; Loes Cm Bertens; Pilar Garcia-Gomez; Tom Van Ourti; Eric Ap Steegers; Jasper V Been Journal: Lancet Reg Health Eur Date: 2021-08-24
Authors: Alexandra L Nowak; Carmen Giurgescu; Jodi L Ford; Amy Mackos; Joyce Ohm; Alai Tan; Maciej Pietrzak; Cindy M Anderson Journal: West J Nurs Res Date: 2021-07-10 Impact factor: 1.967
Authors: Sheena E Martenies; William B Allshouse; Anne P Starling; Brandy M Ringham; Deborah H Glueck; John L Adgate; Dana Dabelea; Sheryl Magzamen Journal: Environ Epidemiol Date: 2019-04