Racial inequalities in preterm delivery: Issues in the measurement of psychosocial constructs

Psychosocial risk factors for preterm delivery have been a topic of much recent research. By extension, the role of psychosocial risks in the explanation of the racial and ethnic gap in preterm birth is of increasing interest. Several barriers that are related to the measurement of psychosocial variables may preclude a sound understanding of their role in the explanation of the racial gap in preterm birth. The purpose of this study was to present selected principles of measurement that should be addressed during the investigation of the relationship between psychosocial factors and preterm delivery to gain a greater understanding of the racial gap in preterm birth.