The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #49961

Linda D. Snyder, MS, ABD, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, 307 North Beaver Street, New Castle, PA 16101, (412) 288-2130, lsnyder@fhcinc.org

This paper explores the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and proportion of adverse birth outcomes, as measured by low birth weight (LBW), preterm and low fetal growth ratio (LFGR) births. Tracts in Allegheny County were combined to form 128 small areas averaging 10,440 persons. A total of 49,256 White and African-American births from 1992-1994 were included in this small-area ecological study. This research supports previous work done in Great Britain and Canada on the impact of area characteristics on adverse birth outcomes. Nine sociodemographic variables from the 1990 decennial census were used to construct a composite index reflective of an area’s overall material and economic status. These variables include proportion of female head of household, persons with less than a high school education, unemployed, families living in poverty, households earning less than $10,000/year, renters as well as per capita and aggregate household incomes. This composite score ranged from “deprived” to “affluent”. Results indicate a positive linear gradient exists between “deprived” areas and proportion of all-count adverse birth outcomes. There were significant differences in mean proportion of adverse birth outcomes between “deprived” and “affluent” areas, though a dependency relationship was not found. There was in increased risk of high proportions of White LBW and preterm births in areas considered deprived. Interestingly, while African-Americans had rates of adverse birth outcomes nearly three times that of Whites, no increased risk was found in deprived areas. Results indicate the influence of neighborhood effects can not be excluded from the analyses of birth outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to recognize the impact of neighborhood socioeconomic factors on adverse birth outcomes. Particular emphasis will be placed on the importance of neighborhood influences as they relate to Healthy People 2010 goals. Participants will also become familiar with methodological issues related to a small-area ecological study design, such as Bayesian estimation techniques and geographical size.

Keywords: Birth Outcomes, Social Class Measurement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.