A study in Europe found evidence of socioeconomic disparities in the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal anomalies (the most common of which is Down syndrome). Birth givers with less education, lower income, and more migrational tendencies were less likely to undergo a prenatal screening of chromosomal abnormality. This is likely due to disparity in access to this health procedure by location (health care deserts in certain geographic regions) or lack of knowledge about the opportunity. 

Disparities in prenatal screening access

Among birth givers who underwent prenatal screenings resulting positively for a baby with chromosomal abnormality, birth givers of lower education and lower income were more likely to terminate a pregnancy of a prenatally diagnosed Down syndrome case, according to a population-based study in Europe. So, even though women of lower education, lower income, and more disparate geographics locations are less likely to undergo a prenatal screening, they are more likely to terminate a pregnancy after a positive screening. 

Socioeconomic trends in termination of pregnancy after prenatal screening

Socioeconomic factors (especially the education level of the mother/parents, income level, and geographic location) play a significant role in the health and quality of life outcomes of individuals with Down syndrome and their caretakers, and their lived experiences. Studies have shown that socioeconomic factors particularly have an impact in the prenatal detection of Down syndrome and the termination of diagnosed pregnancies. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

As opposed to some health conditions or disabilities, Down syndrome occurrence is not associated with race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or geographic location. However, the health outcomes and lived experiences of individuals with Down syndrome and their caretakers may differ and have disparities among marginalized racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. 

Disparities

Santoro, M., Mezzasalma, L., Coi, A., Baldacci, S., Pasquini, L., & Pierini, A. (2021). Sociodemographic Differences in Prenatal Diagnosis of Chromosomal Anomalies: A Population-Based Study. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 9(2296-2360), 630363. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2021.630363

Sociodemographic Differences in Prenatal Diagnosis of Chromosomal Anomalies: A Population-Based Study

Studies have revealed racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes among individuals with Down syndrome, particularly concerning life expectancy and congenital heart disease. 

Racial and Ethnic Disparities 

The Down syndrome community was highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; disproportionately impacted compared to typically developing people. A study from the American College of Physicians Public Health Emergency Collection reported that individuals with Down syndrome have a 4 fold increased risk for COVID-19 related hospitalization and a 10 fold increased risk in COVID-19 related mortality. The study discusses that the various health comorbidities of Down syndrome cause individuals with Down syndrome to have predispositions to other respiratory infections and diseases. 

 COVID-19 Disparities in individuals with Down syndrome

Socioeconomic Disparities

Individuals with Down syndrome are discriminated against across various settings because of negative and inaccurate perceptions of the disability. This discrimination limits the health, quality of life, and opportunities of individuals with Down syndrome. Discrimination is often present in medical, educational, and employment settings. 

Learn Before

Related

Learn After