Pregnancy outcome among native Indians in Saskatchewan

Area of Science:

• Perinatal epidemiology
• Indigenous health outcomes
• Reproductive health research

Background:

• Pregnancy outcomes vary significantly across different demographic groups.
• Understanding disparities in maternal and infant health is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Previous research indicates potential differences in birth outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pregnancy outcomes between Native Indian and the general provincial population in Saskatchewan.
• To identify specific areas of disparity in birth weight, stillbirth, and neonatal/infant mortality.
• To analyze trends and differences in these outcomes over time.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of birth and death registration data from Saskatchewan.
• Examination of incidence of low birth weight (LBW).
• Assessment of stillbirth rates, neonatal death rates, and infant death rates.

Main Results:

• Native Indian populations exhibited higher neonatal, stillbirth, and infant death rates compared to the provincial average.
• The disparity in neonatal death rates narrowed after 1982.
• Maternal age influenced outcomes differently: provincial population saw highest risks in youngest/oldest mothers, while Native Indian teenaged mothers had the best outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences in pregnancy outcomes exist between Native Indian and provincial populations in Saskatchewan.
• Maternal age appears to have a distinct relationship with fetal outcomes in Native Indian populations, warranting further investigation.
• Targeted research is needed to elucidate the factors influencing these disparities and to inform culturally appropriate health strategies.