The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the social environment and maternal race on the frequency of low birthweight (LBW )and pre-term births (PB) in Cienfuegos, Cuba. It was hypothesized that women living in more unfavorable conditions would have a higher risk of LBW and PB. The frequency of LBW and PB were examined according to neighborhood characteristics and maternal race, as well as social, economic, and health care factors. (Neighborhood strata 1=most favorable and strata 4=most unfavorable) Results: The incidence of LBW increased non-significantly across neighborhoods by lifestyle impairment and other factors.. LBW rates while higher among black than white women, were not statistically different. Differences between black and white women diminished across all strata toward the interior of the neighborhoods. The incidence of PB increased according to neighborhood characteristics across strata 1 – 4 with 4.7, 4.2, 4.9 and 10.6% respectively. Neighborhood strata 4 was statistically different from strata 1, (RR 2.27, 95%CI 1.16 – 4.48). The incidence of PB was similar for black and white women (5.3% and 5.5%) although it was higher for both in the most unfavorable neighborhoods. The incidence of non-low birthweight PB was in general very low 2.8% and similar for blacks and whites. It was significantly higher in neighborhood four compared to neighborhood 1, (RR=3.5., CI 1.4-8.7). The standard of prenatal attention, measured by the number of consults and admissions during pregnancy is the same independent of lifestyles of the neighborhoods, risk factors, and maternal race.
Learning Objectives: Recognize and discuss the impact of social environments and maternal race on adverse birth outcomes, i.e. low birthweight and preterm births; identify health care, social, and economic requirements for healthy birth outcomes.
Keywords: Social Inequalities, Low Birthweight
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.