The purpose of this study was to compare growth patterns of smoke and non-smoke affected infants from different racial/ethnic groups, identify correlates, and document consequences. Smoke-affected infants can experience fetal growth retardation followed by accelerated "catch-up" growth. Prior research on the results of "catch-up" growth documents inconsistent findings across studies. Smoking information was obtained from the Demographic/Perinatal Data Questionnaire (1988-1996) including prenatal maternal smoking habits, number of cigarettes smoked daily, and number of cigarettes smoked in the household daily. Data were collected on potential correlates (family demographics, life stress, feeding variables, infant temperament, infant sleep). Infants of smoking and non-smoking mothers were compared. Graphic displays were used to describe growth patterns. Data analysis included nonparametric and multivariate techniques. Smoking mothers were younger, and although their usual body weight was less, their weight gain during pregnancy was greater than mothers who did not smoke prenatally. Fewer smoking mothers breast-fed their infants. A lower percentage of African-American mothers smoked during pregnancy compared to Caucasian or Hispanic mothers. Maternal smoking was a predictor of infant obesity at 7 months of age with the highest percentage of smoke-affected obese babies being Hispanic. Public health nurses play an important role in promoting the health of infants and their parents. Findings contribute to the research base for clinicians to advise parents concerning the relationship between "catch-up" growth and maternal prenatal smoking. Understanding the complex relationships among contributing factors of infant growth is essential to promote positive growth outcomes among all racial/ethnic groups.
Funding: AAUW; NRSA; NINR, NIH.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the different growth patterns of infants from different racial/ethnic groups. 2. Describe the impact on maternal prenatal smoking on infant growth trajectories. 3. Identify correlates of different patterns of infant growth. 4. Identify clinical opportunities to promote positive outcomes of infant growth
Keywords: Infant Health, Smoking
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.