Final answer:
The statement is false. Mothers living in poverty generally have a higher rate of preterm births compared to those in better economic conditions due to factors such as limited access to prenatal care, increased stress, and a lack of education on pregnancy health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that mothers living in poverty have a lower rate of preterm births than mothers living in more favorable economic conditions is false. Studies have shown that socio-economic disadvantage, such as poverty, is associated with a higher risk of preterm births. Mothers living in poverty may have limited access to prenatal care, nutritious food, and may experience higher levels of stress, all of which can contribute to the risk of preterm birth. Additionally, poverty can limit a mother's access to education about pregnancy and childbirth, leading to less knowledge about how to prevent preterm births.
The concept known as the poverty trap further complicates this as it highlights additional burdens that working mothers in poverty may face, such as expenses for clothing, transportation, and child care, which do not affect nonworking mothers. These economic stresses can lead to an increased risk of preterm births. Governments can work to reduce the poverty trap through antipoverty programs, but for mothers living in poverty, the risks associated with preterm birth remain prevalent. It is essential to provide comprehensive support to address these disparities in maternal health outcomes.