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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Juanita C. Graham, MSN RN, Health Services Chief Nurse, Mississippi Department of Health, PO Box 1700, Annex Room 201-D, Jackson, MS 39215-1700, 601-576-8109, juanita.graham@msdh.state.ms.us and Lei Zhang, PhD MBA, Health Services Data Unit, Mississippi Department of Health, PO Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700.

Objective: To investigate the impact of cardiac disease, chronic hypertension, diabetes, along with race and age on infant mortality, low birth weight (LBW), and preterm birth (PTB) among Mississippi women from 1999 to 2003. Background: To decrease infant mortality and proportion of infants with LBW and PTB are Healthy People 2010 objectives. The identification of subgroups that have a propensity to experience negative birth outcomes may provide clues that help health educators and policy makers further decrease the infant mortality and the proportion of infants with LBW and PTB. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis based on the Mississippi 1999-2003 births linked with infant deaths was conducted. Logistic regression analysis using SAS was performed to investigate the relationship between the negative birth outcomes and chronic medical risk factors. Conclusions: We found infant mortality, LBW and PTB were more prevalent among African American mothers, and mothers with cardiac disease, chronic hypertension and diabetes. In addition, we found the maternal chronic conditions were significant factors associated with negative birth outcomes in Mississippi. Public Health Implications: The health of mothers and infants is of critical importance, both as a reflection of the current health status of the state and as a predictor of health for future generations.

Learning Objectives: