ARKANSAS, USA — Amid conversations of poor maternal and infant health in Arkansas, the state received a preterm birth grade of F in the 2024 March of Dimes Report Card.
A preterm birth is when a baby is born before a mother hits 37 weeks of pregnancy.
In its annual report card, the March of Dimes evaluates preterm birth rates, infant mortality, maternal health, and the demographics of people experiencing these obstacles.
"In order to save lives and support healthy pregnancies and births, it's critical that we work to improve outcomes and eliminate health disparities across our country," Dr. Amanda P. Williams, interim chief medical officer at March of Dimes, said.
The nonprofit organization gave Arkansas the lowest grade, ranking it 46th in the United States.
Based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the Natural State had a 12.1% preterm birth rate in 2023. Since 2014, the data shows Arkansas's preterm birth rates have been steadily increasing from 10%.
To put it in perspective, states with an A grade have a preterm birth rate of 7.7% or less. In 2023, the national rate was 10.4%, and the only state with an A grade was Vermont. The rest of the states in the South have a D grade or lower.
According to the data, only one Arkansas county's preterm birth rate improved since 2022. Benton County received a B grade with an 8.9% rate.
On the other hand, preterm birth rates in Sebastian and Washington counties have reportedly worsened. March of Dimes gave D grades to both counties as Washington has a 10.4% birth rate and Sebastian has an 11.3%.
"Every baby deserves the chance for a healthy start, yet the data continue to show unacceptable health outcomes for far too many families," March of Dimes Interim President and CEO Cindy Rahman said.
Who experiences the most preterm birth rates in Arkansas?
Among these high rates, data shows that preterm birth rates are worse among Black mothers and their children. Between 2021 and 2023, Black families in Arkansas experienced a 16.6% preterm birth rate. This rate is dramatically higher than the national rate of 12.8%.
Rates among other racial/ethnic groups of Arkansans:
- Pacific Islander: 13.7%
- Native American: 11.5%
- White: 11%
- Hispanic: 10.1%
- Asian: 9.7%
What causes preterm births?
The report said pre-pregnancy conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, unhealthy weight, or smoking pose significant risks to maternal health. Environmental factors like air pollution and extreme heat also play a part in preterm births, low birth weights, and other maternal and infant health outcomes.
The Maternal Vulnerability Index (MVI) also points to socioeconomic factors contributing to poor health outcomes in Arkansas, which could explain the trend of inadequate prenatal care.
Data shows Arkansas counties like Sebastian, Crawford, Johnson, Logan, and Franklin have very high maternal vulnerability rates, ranging from 83% to 88%. Meanwhile, Benton County has the lowest rate in the state at 29.8%.
For more information on the report card, visit the March of Dimes website.
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