The life course theory: Are public health programs the answer to racial disparities in prematurity and infant mortality?

The implications of chronic risk factors on pregnancy outcome and disease expression are striking. The traditional medical model has often focused on individual health knowledge and access to the healthcare system to mitigate specific risk factors. But LCT directs attention "upstream," to neighborhood conditions, community infrastructure, and social inequalities. Few good programs applying LCT exist, but we believe there are seeds of hope in those programs that employ LCT. Increasing knowledge, skills, and resources will translate into healthier babies and healthier communities.

Duke Scholars

Author Haywood Laverne Brown Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine