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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Medical and Psychosocial Risk Profiles for Low Birthweight and Preterm Birth
Sara H Shaw1, Janette E Herbers2, J J Cutuli3
1Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware.
Insights
Distinct profiles of medical and psychosocial factors impact preterm birth and low birthweight. Identifying high-risk pregnant women allows for targeted interdisciplinary support and improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal and Child Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Low birthweight and preterm birth are significant risk factors for infant mortality and long-term health issues.
- Understanding the interplay of medical and psychosocial factors is crucial for preventing adverse birth outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct latent profiles of co-occurring medical and psychosocial factors in pregnant women.
- To assess the implications of these profiles for preterm birth and low birthweight.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a representative cross-sectional survey (2012-2013).
- Employed latent class analysis to derive distinct classes of pregnant women at risk for adverse birth outcomes.
Main Results:
- Identified five distinct profiles of interrelated psychosocial and medical factors.
- Profiles characterized by high medical factors or a combination of very low income and psychosocial factors showed the greatest risk.
- Low and very low income profiles were also associated with increased risk for adverse birth outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Emphasizes the need for integrated screening and management of psychosocial risks within prenatal care.
- Recommends monitoring and interdisciplinary team support for pregnant women identified with high-risk profiles.
Objectives:
Low birthweight and preterm birth are risk factors for infant mortality and persistent problems. This study uses representative data to assess whether distinct latent profiles of co-occurring medical and psychosocial factors have implications for preterm birth and low birthweight.
Methods:
Data are from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a cross-sectional survey constituting representative data on pregnancies from 2012 to 2013. Latent class analysis derived classes of pregnant women potentially at risk for low birthweight and/or preterm birth.
Results:
Latent class analysis identified five homogenous profiles of interrelated psychosocial and medical factors. Risk was greatest for the profile marked by high rates of medical factors, followed by a high risk for a profile marked by a combination of very low income and psychosocial factors. Two profiles involving low income and very low income also indicated greater risk for adverse birth outcomes related to socioeconomic status.
Conclusions:
More attention should be paid to screening for and addressing psychosocial risk in concert with prenatal care. Women who show high-risk profiles can be monitored and supported by an interdisciplinary care team, when warranted.
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