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Mother's social class and perinatal problems in a low-problem area
E Hemminki1, M Malin, O Rahkonen
1Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki.
International Journal of Epidemiology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Social class impacts perinatal outcomes, with the second highest socioeconomic group showing the best results for gestation length and birthweight. Lower social classes were associated with more infants experiencing poor Apgar scores.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Socioeconomic status is a known determinant of health outcomes.
- Perinatal health disparities persist globally, necessitating localized investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between social class and perinatal problems in a Finnish population.
- To analyze variations in gestation length, birthweight, Apgar scores, and need for special care across different social strata.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from a clinical trial (n=2912) on iron prophylaxis during pregnancy.
- Social class was determined by maternal occupation and education level.
- Statistical analyses adjusted for maternal age and parity.
Main Results:
- A U-shaped relationship was observed between social class and gestation length/birthweight, with the second highest social class exhibiting optimal outcomes.
- Infant Apgar scores demonstrated a negative correlation with social class, worsening in lower socioeconomic groups.
- Intervening variables like marital status and pre-pregnancy weight had minimal impact on these disparities.
Conclusions:
- Significant social class differences in perinatal problems persist in Finland.
- The relationship between social class and perinatal health is complex and not strictly linear.