The influence of stress on pregnancy outcomes is thought to be social support-mediated. However, non-specific definitions of SS and stress have limited inferences that can be drawn from previous studies, particularly regarding the effects of type and source of SS and stress on low birth weight (LBW). We studied the main and mediating effects of SS and stress on LBW among 808 inner-city, low-income pregnant women.
Following delivery, participants reported SS during pregnancy, including support from mother, adult children, siblings, friends, and the baby's father (FOB), and stress from daily hassles and sexual and drug abuse. The women's social and economic characteristics; their prenatal care use; obstetric/medical history (MHRI); current pregnancy complications (CPC); and alcohol, tobacco, and drug use (ATOD), and history of sexual abuse were also measured. Medical and laboratory records confirmed self-reported ATOD.
Frequent emotional and tangible support from the FOB had a protective effect on LBW (OR:0.4; 95% CI:0.2-0.7), regardless of whether he lived in the household. This effect held despite adjustments using logistic regression for socioeconomic characteristics, use of prenatal care, MHRI, CPC, and ATOD. Support from friends living in the household increased the odds of LBW (OR:4.1;95%CI:1.8-9.6,) even when adjustments were made for confounders. Daily hassles and stress related to sex and drug abuse increased the odds of LBW (OR:2.8; 95%CI:1.8-4.2). The effects of FOB support on LBW remained significant when the stress measures were introduced into the regression model, and vice versa. In this sample, SS and stress independently influence LBW.
Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to 1. Understand the specific network support and stress measures during pregnancy and their role in LBW 2. Discriminate main, mediating and moderating effects of support and stress on LBW 3. Consider integrating support and stress measures into interventions related to improving pregnancy outcomes (IPO).
Keywords: Stress, Birth Outcomes
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.