Paternal Jail Incarceration and Birth Outcomes: Evidence from New York City, 2010-2016
Youngmin Yi1, Joseph Kennedy2, Cynthia Chazotte3
1Department of Sociology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|April 29, 2021
Summary
Paternal jail incarceration during pregnancy is linked to adverse infant outcomes like late preterm birth and low birthweight. This highlights incarceration as a significant stressor impacting maternal and infant health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Paternal incarceration is a growing concern impacting families.
- Limited research exists on the direct link between paternal incarceration and infant health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between paternal jail incarceration during pregnancy and adverse infant birth outcomes.
- To utilize objective health and incarceration data for robust analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of linked birth and jail incarceration records in New York City from 2010-2016.
- Application of multivariate logistic regression models to assess population-level associations.
Main Results:
- Paternal incarceration during pregnancy was associated with increased odds of late preterm birth (OR=1.34), low birthweight (OR=1.39), small for gestational age (OR=1.35), and NICU admission (OR=1.14).
- These associations persisted after controlling for sociodemographic factors, maternal behaviors, and healthcare access.
Conclusions:
- Paternal jail incarceration during pregnancy is a significant risk factor for adverse infant outcomes.
- The findings underscore the need to recognize paternal incarceration as a source of stress and trauma for pregnant women and newborns.
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