Pandemic health behaviors linked to rise in neonatal health issues

Studies show that social distancing and other public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic effectively reduced the spread of the deadly virus. However, they had unanticipated effects such as reduced health care accessibility and utilization, especially in high-risk populations. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham evaluated potential effects of pandemic-related behavior changes on neonatal mortality and preterm birth rates. A correlation was found between the social distancing index, a measure of overall social distancing behaviors observed, and higher rates of neonatal and early neonatal mortality, as well as preterm birth, when assessed with a lag period. Results were Read More