Gentrification, measures of neighborhood change, and infant mortality in Michigan

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Abstract
Objective: Determine the association of infant mortality (IM) and gentrification, a composite measure of rising neighborhood income, education, and housing costs. Study design: Retrospective cohort analysis of 672,432 infants born 2010–2019 across metropolitan Michigan. Multilevel multivariable regression models examined the association of gentrification and IM. Gentrification components were evaluated in separate models. Results: Gentrification was not associated with IM, but some of its components were. Living in a census tract with an above median rise in income or education attainment was associated with lower odds of IM, compared to below median change (Income: aOR=0.88; 95% CI: 0.82–0.95; Education: aOR=0.93; 95% CI: 0.86–0.997). Rent increases above the median were linked to higher IM among term infants and lower IM among infants <32 weeks’ gestation. The association of IM with rising home values varied by maternal insurance status. Conclusions: Indicators of increasing community affluence, often combined to define gentrification, have opposing relationships with IM.
Funding Information
  • National Institutes of Health (T32HL098054)

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