Date of Graduation
Winter 12-13-2024
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (MPH)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Department/Program
Public Health
First Advisor
Marie-Claude Couture
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), allostatic load, and the likelihood of women giving birth prematurely in the United States and Canada. I searched multiple databases exploring this association, identifying nineteen articles published between 2004 and 2024. The literature highlights that racism and discrimination are a cause of chronic stress, and that this stress, and implicit bias, are both implicated in preterm birth. While ACEs scores have been found to be associated with preterm birth, the results for allostatic load are mixed. The results suggest that more attention should be paid to mitigating the stress associated with racism among pregnant women. One recommendation that has proven successful is for women to have a doula while pregnant, during labor, and postpartum, to educate, support, and advocate for them.
Recommended Citation
Scherek, Roxane J., "The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Allostatic Load on Premature Birth Rates: A Literature Review" (2024). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1770.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1770
