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Recent changes in maternal characteristics by socioeconomic status
K S Joseph1, John Fahey, Nandini Dendukuri
1Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Pediatrics, Dalhousie University and the IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|July 17, 2009
Summary
Maternal characteristics have significantly changed over two decades, with trends varying by socioeconomic status. These shifts provide context for obstetric outcomes and inform health planning.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Understanding evolving maternal demographics is crucial for public health.
- Socioeconomic disparities can influence maternal health and obstetric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in maternal characteristics stratified by socioeconomic status.
- To provide context for recent trends in obstetric procedures and outcomes.
- To inform health planning initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Study included all Nova Scotia residents who delivered between 1988 and 2007.
- Maternal data sourced from the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database.
- Socioeconomic status linked via federal income tax files (1988-2003).
Main Results:
- Births to women under 20 increased in lower income groups, while decreasing in higher income groups.
- Births to women aged 35+ increased by 136%; births to women weighing over 90 kg also rose.
- Smoking rates decreased across all socioeconomic groups; births following a perinatal death declined by 52%.
Conclusions:
- Significant secular changes in maternal characteristics have occurred over two decades.
- The impact of these changes on maternal and infant health varies by socioeconomic status.
- These findings are vital for targeted public health interventions and resource allocation.
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