Predicting low birthweight and complicated labor in urban black women: a biopsychosocial perspective

This study explored demographic, biomedical and psychosocial factors as predictors of two adverse pregnancy outcomes: intrapartum complications and low birthweight, in 140 urban black pregnant women. The intrapartum complication rate was 18%. A four factor equation (low family functioning, advanced maternal age, working during pregnancy, and short stature) predicted intrapartum complications (80% sensitivity, 67% specificity and 35% positive predictive value). The low birthweight rate was 14%. Four factors (low family functioning, stressful events, Quetelet's Index, and cigarette smoking) predicted low birthweight (65% sensitivity, 84% specificity and 42% positive predictive value). Family functioning, alone, predicted low birthweight with 65% sensitivity, 64% specificity and 31% positive predictive value. Family functioning, was the only predictor for both outcomes. Family functioning and other psychosocial risk factors may potentially improve identification of high risk pregnant urban black women.