Neighborhood Diversity Is Good for Your Health: An Example of Racial/Ethnic Integration and Preterm Birth in Texas

Racial concentration of neighborhoods is often associated with the risk of preterm birth (PTB) for women. This study examined differences between racially diverse and racially concentrated neighborhoods when examining preterm birth. Individual-level data were obtained from Texas natality files for 2009-2011, and neighborhood-level (i.e., census tract) data were obtained from the decennial census in 2010 and the American Community Survey 2005-2009. We used multilevel modeling to assess the association between neighborhood racial diversity and odds of PTB, after controlling for individual characteristics, neighborhood poverty, and population density. We found that neighborhood racial diversity and concentration matter for PTB. Results suggest that systemic racism is still key to understanding PTB. Furthermore, findings support policies that prevent displacement from gentrification of diverse neighborhoods and promote equal access to health-related resources for women in predominantly Black, Hispanic, and/or immigrant neighborhoods.