This research examined relationships between and among Medicaid population characteristics (race, age, attitudes towards pregnancy and prenatal care), utilization of prenatal care (entry and adequacy), utilization of prenatal WIC, and birth outcomes of low birth weight (less than 2500 grams) and gestational age (less than 37 weeks) in Indiana. A non-experimental, retrospective design examined variables related to 324 persons who participated in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) in 1994. The conceptual model was adapted from Andersen's 1995 Phase III Model. Using multivariate logistic regression to control for all other variables in the model, women who received Adequate Plus prenatal care were over eight times more likely to deliver before 37 weeks gestation (***p <.001) and more than three times more likely to deliver a low birth weight baby (***p<.001). Women who received Less than Adequate prenatal care were over three times more likely to deliver a low birth weight (***p<.001) or less than 37 weeks gestation(**p<.01) infant. Women who reported they did not receive enough prenatal care were over three times more likely to deliver a low birth weight infant(*p<.002). Women who reported they did not receive prenatal care as early as they wanted were 73% less likely to have received first trimester prenatal care (***p<.001) and 59% less likely to have participated prenatally in WIC (**p <.01). Women who participated prenatally in WIC were 49% less likely to deliver before 37 weeks when controlling for population characteristics and first trimester prenatal care(*p <.04).
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. List three Medicaid population characteristics associated with selected birth outcomes. 2. Articulate three recommendations for health policy to improve selected birth outcomes. 3. List two birth outcomes associated with prenatal participation in WIC
Keywords: Birth Outcomes, WIC
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed at the Indiana State Department of Health as the State Indiana WIC Director.