The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50070

Rebecca B. Russell, MSPH, Joann Petrini, MPH, Michael J. Davidoff, MPH, and Karla Damus, RN, PhD. Perinatal Data Center, March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, 1275 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains, NY 10605, 914.997.4683, rrussell@modimes.org

In 1997-9, the low birthweight (LBW, <2500 grams) rate in the US was 7.6%, an increase of almost 9% in the past decade. Increasing rates of multiple births contribute to this rise but do not fully explain it or address the racial gap that persists. Analyses of natality data from the National Center for Health Statistics for the combined years 1997-9 were conducted to examine state-specific LBW rates among spontaneous (non-induced vaginal births) singletons by race. The 1997-9 US average rate of LBW among non-Hispanic white spontaneous singleton infants was 4.2%, 16% lower than the Healthy People 2010 objective of 5.0 %, while the rate among non-Hispanic black spontaneous singleton infants was more than twice as high (10.5%). More than 75% of states (n=39) had LBW rates for non-Hispanic white spontaneous singletons that met the HP 2010 objective, while no state met the objective for non-Hispanic black spontaneous singletons. To do so would require reductions in the non-Hispanic black rates of up to 190% in the next decade. Achieving the HP 2010 goal of eliminating racial LBW disparities would require an even larger decrease of up to 380% in some states. In addition, state-specific singleton, spontaneous, LBW US age-standardized rates were also calculated to determine significant differences from the national rate for 1997-9. State-specific analysis of LBW rates among spontaneous singletons may help to identify areas for intervention that will have a greater impact on bringing communities closer to achieving the HP 2010 objectives for all infants.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Describe the differences in spontaneous singleton low birthweight rates by states.
• Understand the impact of race on low birthweight by state.
• Discuss the improvements in low birthweight and reductions in racial disparities required to achieve relevant Healthy People 2010 objectives and goals.

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.