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310211
Examining Associations Between Socioeconomic Status, Geographic Variation, and Low Birthweight in Texas
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
: 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Mira Hidajat, Ph.D.
,
Center for Health Statistics, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX
Nagla Elerian, M.S.
,
Center for Health Statistics, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX
David Lakey, MD
,
State Health Commissioner, Texas Department of State Health Services, Austin, TX
Low birthweight (newborns weighing less than 2500 gr) is a continuing public health concern for the state of Texas where 10% of the nation’s low birthweight babies are born (NCHS, 2012) and given well-documented negative consequences of low birthweight on a wide array of health outcomes such as childhood comorbidities, increased risk for infant death and development of adult chronic diseases. This study examines demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities in low birthweight in Texas to identify the most vulnerable at-risk population in the state. This study aims to provide greater understanding of the associations and interactions between race/ethnicity, location, and socioeconomic status on low birthweight in a setting with a unique race/ethnic population composition and disparities in health care access. Methods. Data are drawn from the most recent individual-level Texas birth certificate data in 2012 (N=365,162). Logistic regression models were constructed to examine associations between demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities and low birthweight, controlling for gestational age, maternal health, prenatal care, and medical issues during pregnancy that contribute to fetal development (i.e. eclampsia, birth defects, and fetal abnormalities). Results. Results show several key disparities, namely increased risk for low birthweight among Non-Hispanic Blacks (compared to Non-Hispanic Whites), low maternal education, and births occurring in the western part of the state. Decreased risks for low birthweight were found among Hispanics (compared to Non-Hispanic Whites) and births occurring in border counties. Geographic association with low birthweight favoring the eastern part of Texas is consistent with patterns of socioeconomic inequalities across the state where areas in West Texas tend to have lower per capital income, higher poverty rate, and more limited access to health care than the state as a whole.
Learning Areas:
Epidemiology
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Identify demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities associated with increased risk of low birthweight.
Keyword(s): Birth Outcomes, Health Disparities/Inequities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the advanced analytics team lead at the Center for Health Statistics, Texas Department of State Health Services, in charge of conducting research on Texas health disparities, including birth outcomes (low birthweight, early term, non-medically indicated deliveries). I have published research on socio-demographic inequalities in health and mortality in peer-reviewed academic journals. I have a PhD in demography and sociology with a postdoctoral research fellowship in health disparities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
