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Post-Disaster Reproductive Health Outcomes

Abstract  

We examined methodological issues in studies of disaster-related effects on reproductive health outcomes and fertility among
women of reproductive age and infants in the United States (US). We conducted a systematic literature review of 1,635 articles
and reports published in peer-reviewed journals or by the government from January 1981 through December 2010. We classified
the studies using three exposure types: (1) physical exposure to toxicants; (2) psychological trauma; and (3) general exposure
to disaster. Fifteen articles met our inclusion criteria concerning research focus and design. Overall studies pertained to
eight different disasters, with most (n = 6) focused on the World Trade Center attack. Only one study examined pregnancy loss,
i.e., occurrence of spontaneous abortions post-disaster. Most studies focused on associations between disaster and adverse
birth outcomes, but two studies pertained only to post-disaster fertility while another two examined it in addition to adverse
birth outcomes. In most studies disaster-affected populations were assumed to have experienced psychological trauma, but exposure
to trauma was measured in only four studies. Furthermore, effects of both physical exposure to toxicants and psychological
trauma on disaster-affected populations were examined in only one study. Effects on birth outcomes were not consistently demonstrated,
and study methodologies varied widely. Even so, these studies suggest an association between disasters and reproductive health
and highlight the need for further studies to clarify associations. We postulate that post-disaster surveillance among pregnant
women could improve our understanding of effects of disaster on the reproductive health of US pregnant women.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Methodological Notes
  • Pages 1-14
  • DOI 10.1007/s10995-012-1068-x
  • Authors
    • Marianne E. Zotti, Division of Reproductive Health/NCCDPHP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS-K22, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
    • Amy M. Williams, Division of Reproductive Health/NCCDPHP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS-K22, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
    • McKaylee Robertson, Division of Reproductive Health/NCCDPHP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS-K22, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
    • Jennifer Horney, Center for Public Health Preparedness, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, USA
    • Jason Hsia, Division of Reproductive Health/NCCDPHP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS-K22, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
    • Journal Maternal and Child Health Journal
    • Online ISSN 1573-6628
    • Print ISSN 1092-7875
Posted in: Journal Article Abstracts on 07/05/2012 | Link to this post on IFP |
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