Despite efforts to improve birth outcomes, disparities exist among ethnically diverse populations within the United States. An important step in the direction of reducing racial and ethnic disparities is to recognize the biological diversity that may exist among ethnically diverse populations. Native Americans continue to be underrepresented as a study population. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between neonatal mortality and birth weight in an effort to determine the birth weight range of optimal survival specifically for Native Americans. Using NCHS Linked Birth/Infant Death Data Sets from 1986 to 1997, rates of neonatal mortality per 500g birth weights will be examined for singleton Native American births. Using descriptive statistics, optimal birth weight range will be determined by two criteria: 1) rates no more than 0.5 greater than the minimum neonatal mortality rate and 2) change in slope between birth weight categories of no more than 0.5. Birth weight specific neonatal mortality rates will be stratified by mother’s age, sex of infant, residence of mother, trimester prenatal care began and maternal diabetes in order to determine any interaction. Native American neonatal mortality will also be analyzed to determine any secular changes in optimal birth weight range. Results will be available by June 1, 2001.
Learning Objectives: 1. To recognize an optimal birth weight range for Native Americans 2. To assess high risk birth weight ranges for ethnically diverse populations 3.To discuss secular trends in optimal birth weight for Native Americans
Keywords: Birth Outcomes, Native Americans
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.