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BMC Public Health

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

Trends in infants born at low birthweight and disparities by maternal race and education from 2003 to 2018 in the United States

Authors: Elizabeth A. Pollock, Keith P. Gennuso, Marjory L. Givens, David Kindig

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Understanding current levels, as well as past and future trends, of the percentage of infants born at low birthweight (LBW) in the United States is imperative to improving the health of our nation. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine recent trends in percentage of LBW, both overall and by maternal race and education subgroups. Studying disparities in percentage of LBW by these subgroups can help to further understand the health needs of the population and can inform policies that can close race and class disparities in poor birth outcomes.

Methods

Trends of percentage of LBW in the U.S. from 2003 to 2018, both overall and by race/ethnicity, and from 2007 to 2018 by education and race by education subgroups were analyzed using CDC WONDER Natality data. Disparities were analyzed using between group variance methods.

Results

Percentage of LBW experienced a significant worsening in the most recent 5 years of data, negating nearly a decade of prior improvement. Stark differences were observed by race/ethnicity and by education, with all subgroups experiencing increasing rates in recent years. Disparities also worsened over the course of study. Most notably, all disparities increased significantly from 2014 to 2018, with annual changes near 2–5%.

Conclusions

Recent reversals in progress in percentage of LBW, as well as increasing disparities particularly by race, are troubling. Future study is needed to continue monitoring these trends and analyzing these issues at additional levels. Targets must be set and solutions must be tailored to population subgroups to effectively make progress towards equitable birth outcomes and maternal health.

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Title: Trends in infants born at low birthweight and disparities by maternal race and education from 2003 to 2018 in the United States
Authors: Elizabeth A. Pollock
Keith P. Gennuso
Marjory L. Givens
David Kindig
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11185-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Trends in infants born at low birthweight and disparities by maternal race and education from 2003 to 2018 in the United States

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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