‘When the Bough Breaks’ from the California Newsreel Documentary Series Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making us Sick? – A Discussion Guide for Health Professional Students

Date of Review: May, 2019

‘When the Bough Breaks’ is one of seven segments from the documentary series ‘Unnatural Causes: is inequality making us sick?’ This 29-minute film explores social determinants of health as they relate to infant mortality. The video emphasizes the negative health consequences of chronic stress and racism. This resource may be used to supplement lectures on low birthweight, premature delivery, and infant mortality. The companion guide highlights key concepts in the film and facilitates discussion around social determinants of health. Recommended reading and additional resources are also provided. This activity was designed for a 90-minute, small-group setting with medical and other health professions learners. The authors recommend selecting facilitators with previous training in health disparities, and suggest providing discussion questions to learners in advance.For additional resources you can visit this webpage: https://www.pbs.org/unnaturalcauses/hour_01.htm – Katy Wright, PhD NCEAS