PUBH 102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Neural Tube Defect, Anencephaly, Infant Mortality
12 Feb 2017
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Not a health problem: it"s a social problem with health consequences. Number one risk factor in us is poverty: generally lower socioeconomic status of african americans in us partly accounts for their higher imr. Lead is common contaminant in american inner city: toxic to nervous system, caused by deteriorating paint or old plumbing. Pesticides and organic solvents are also known to cause harm. Poverty may affect mother"s ability to consume adequate diet for themselves and their children. Poor women may lack time, energy, or knowledge to prepare nutritious meals. Breast feeding is less commonly practiced among poorer women. Smoking, drinking, and use of illegal drugs can harm the health of an infant: women that smoke during pregnancy increase chance of giving birth to an underweight baby. Infants also more likely to develop respiratory infections or die of sids when someone at home smokes. In late 1980s and early 1990s, mothers smoking crack was a problem.
