Summarised by Centrist
A new study reveals a connection between pandemic social distancing measures and a rise in preterm births and newborn deaths.
Conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the study sheds light on the delayed and unanticipated impacts of public health interventions, urging a closer examination of how these measures affect infant health.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), links pandemic social distancing to higher rates of preterm births and newborn deaths.
Analysing over 18 million births in Alabama from 2016 to 2020, the researchers compared pre-pandemic years to the period following the implementation of public health restrictions in March 2020.
The findings showed that neonatal mortality and preterm birth rates increased within one to two months after social distancing measures were enacted.
Dr Vivek Shukla, the senior author, highlighted that the study aimed to evaluate the “unanticipated effects” of social distancing on infant health outcomes. The authors conclude the disruptions in prenatal care during the pandemic, such as fewer medical checkups and visits, likely contributed to these adverse outcomes.
These appointments are crucial for detecting and addressing complications that could threaten the lives of both mothers and babies.
While neonatal mortality rates were generally lower during the pandemic, a slight increase was noted after social distancing practices became more widespread.
