Spokane Counts 2011 - Preterm Birth

Preterm Birth

Reproductive Health

Indicator: Preterm Birth

Definition: Percent of singleton births with an estimated gestation age <37 weeks.

Why is this important: Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality. Although medical advances have helped to improve infant survival, these infants are at a higher risk for respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune system, central nervous system, hearing, and vision problems.

Where are we: In 2009 in Spokane County, 7% of singleton births were born preterm. There was no significant change in the proportion of preterm singleton births from 2005 to 2009. The preterm birth rate in Spokane County was similar to that of Washington State in 2009, but significantly lower than the U.S. in 2008.

Health Disparities:

Among Spokane County women who gave birth in 2009:

Preterm birth among singletons decreased as education increased.
Those on Medicaid were more likely to have a singleton preterm birth than those not on Medicaid.

There was no difference in singleton preterm birth by age group or race.

(click to enlarge)

	Data Source	DOH, CHS, 2009

Geography	Spokane County	7.0% (3.4-7.7)
	WA	7.0% (6.8-7.2)
	U.S.	10.6%

	Trend	05-09 No Trend

Age	Births
	<18 yrs	7.2% (3.6-13.8)
	18-24 yrs	7.1% (6.1-8.4)
	25-34 yrs	6.8% (6.0-7.8)
	35+ yrs	7.3% (5.5-9.5)

Race	White	6.8% (6.1-7.5)
	Black	8.4% (4.9-13.9)
	NAAN	10.6% (6.7-16.4)
	API	7.9% (5.0-12.2)

Education*	< High school	9.1% (7.2-11.6)
	High school	7.5% (6.3-8.9)
	Some college	7.0% (6.0-8.2)
	College graduate	5.4% (4.4-6.7)

Income	Medicaid	8.0% (7.1-9.1)
	Non-Medicaid	6.1% (5.3-7.0)

* Education reflects the mother's highest education level

Data Source: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics.

Spokane Regional Health District · Community Health Assessment · 1101 W College Ave, Room 360, Spokane, WA 99201
509.323.2853 | FAX 509.232.1706 | TDD 509.324.1464 · www.srhd.org/spokanecounts