NRS 434 Topic 1 Dq 1

NRS 434 Topic 1 Dq 1

Discuss disparities related to ethnic and cultural groups relative to low birth weight infants and preterm births. Describe the impact of extremely low birth weight babies on the family and on the community (short-term and long-term, including economic considerations, on-going care considerations, and co-morbidities associated with prematurity). Identify at least one support service within your community for preterm infants and their family. Provide the link for your colleagues to view. Does the service adequately address needs of this population? Explain your answer.

Preterm birth has declined over the years overall but it continues to affect certain ethnic groups more than others. In non-Hispanic white infants the preterm birth rate was 7.4% compared to 17.2 in non-Hispanic black infants. Having a child that is significantly preterm at birth can be very stressful for the family. In certaian situations the mother stops working or cuts back on labor hours to be able to be there for the infant. In most cases the baby stays in NICU for a prolonged period of time. Not only are medical expenses climbing but so is the personal expenses to provide transportation to and from the hospital. Also, the mother spends time at the hospital and time away from other children and spouse. The care and medical bills do not stop after discharge. Often times children that are born preterm have neurological problems such as cerebral palsy and even vision impairment, respiratory problems such as RSV, gastroenterology ailments as reflux, cardiac abnormalities like arrythmias and/or developmental delays. All these ailments require the close medical supervision.

A support group that is intended for parents/families of preemies is Grahams Foundation @ www.grahamsfoundation.org

This is a website that can connect families with a preemie parent mentor. It also provides information about what to expect in NICU, life after NICU and preemie loss. This information can be very helpful during difficult times like preterm birth.

Burris, H. H., Collins, J. W., & Wright, R. O. (2011, April). Racial/ethnic disparities in preterm birth: Clues from environmental exposures. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753013/

Preterm Birth. (2016, November 10). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pretermbirth.htm

Supporting Parents of Preemies. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://grahamsfoundation.org/