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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Research

Social determinants of vulnerability in the population of reproductive age: a systematic review

Authors: Lindsey van der Meer, Lisa S. Barsties, Leonie A. Daalderop, Adja J. M. Waelput, Eric A. P. Steegers, Loes C. M. Bertens

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

The health of an (unborn) child is largely determined by the health and social determinants of its parents. The extent to which social determinants of parents or prospective parents affect their own health depends partly on their coping or resilience abilities. Inadequate abilities allow negative effects of unfavourable social determinants to prevail, rendering them vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. Addressing these determinants in the reproductive-aged population is therefore a key approach in improving the health of the future generation. This systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on social determinants of vulnerability, i.e., inadequate coping or low resilience, in the general population of reproductive age.

Methods

The databases EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were systematically searched from database inception to December 2th 2021.
Observational studies examining social determinants and demographics in relation to vulnerability among the general population of reproductive age (men and women aged 18-40 years), conducted in a high-income country in Europe or North America, Australia or New Zealand were eligible for inclusion. Relevant data was extracted from each included article and findings were presented in a narrative and tabulated manner.

Results

We identified 40,028 unique articles, of which 78 were full text reviewed. Twenty-five studies were included, of which 21 had a cross-sectional study design (84%). Coping was the most frequently assessed outcome measure (n = 17, 68%). Thirty social determinants were identified. Overall, a younger age, lower socioeconomic attainment, lack of connection with the social environment, and adverse life events were associated with inadequate coping or low resilience.

Conclusions

This review shows that certain social determinants are associated with vulnerability in reproductive-aged individuals. Knowing which factors make people more or less vulnerable carries health-related implications. More high-quality research is needed to obtain substantial evidence on the strength of the effect of these social conditions in this stage of life.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Social determinants of vulnerability in the population of reproductive age: a systematic review
Authors
Lindsey van der Meer
Lisa S. Barsties
Leonie A. Daalderop
Adja J. M. Waelput
Eric A. P. Steegers
Loes C. M. Bertens
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13651-6

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