Prevalence and risk factors of low birth weight in the United States: An analysis of 2016-2021 data
Shimin Zheng1, Yan Cao2, Sheryl Strasser3
1Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.
Insights
Low birthweight (LBW) affects 9.31% of US infants, with higher rates in young, Black mothers. Addressing systemic inequalities is crucial for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Low birthweight (LBW) is a significant global health issue linked to increased infant morbidity and mortality.
- This study examines LBW prevalence and associated maternal sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in the US.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of low birthweight (LBW) and very low birthweight (VLBW) in the United States.
- To identify sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with LBW and VLBW.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) from 2016-2021 (n=225,443).
- Employed logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) for LBW, adjusting for confounding variables.
- Defined LBW as <2,500g and VLBW as <1,500g.
Main Results:
- LBW prevalence was 9.31% and VLBW was 1.50% nationally between 2016-2021.
- Mothers aged ≤18 years and Black mothers exhibited the highest LBW (15.45%) and VLBW (4.70%) rates.
- Maternal age (OR 1.27 for ≤18, 1.19 for >35) and child's poor health (OR 2.87) were significant factors; racial/ethnic disparities were observed.
Conclusions:
- LBW risk is elevated among non-White mothers, highlighting disparities linked to sociodemographic factors.
- Further research into systemic inequalities and macro-level influences is necessary to address LBW disparities.
- Healthcare reform tailored to marginalized populations is essential for improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Background:
Low birthweight (LBW), infants weighing less than 2,500 g, is a global health concern associated with high infant morbidity and mortality rates. This study investigates LBW prevalence and its relation to maternal sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors factors in the United States (US).
Methods:
This analysis used the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) data from 2016 to 2021, including n = 225,443 children aged 0-17 years. 18,131 had LBW (<2,500 g), and 2810 had very LBW (VLBW) (<1,500 g). Logistic regression calculated odds ratios (OR) using LBW as the dependent variable, adjusting for various factors.
Results:
Between 2016 and 2021 in the United States, LBW prevalence averaged 9.31%, with VLBW at 1.50%. Mothers aged 18-35, White, had the lowest LBW (7.63%) and VLBW (1.17%) rates. Mothers aged ≤18 years, black, had the highest LBW (15.45%) and VLBW infants (4.70%). Maternal age emerged as a significant LBW factor, with an OR of 1.27 for ≤18 and 1.19 for >35. Children in poor health had the highest OR (2.87). Race/ethnicity and other disparities were observed.
Conclusion:
Our study highlights LBW risk among non-White mothers with specific criteria, emphasizing the need for continued exploration of intersectional targets for change that are exacerbating LBW disparities among marginalized populations which may be artificially attributed to biologic determinants and individual-level risk factors. In-depth analysis of repressive structures at the root of inequalities demand continued research on macro levels of influence. Customized healthcare reform holds the greatest potential to disrupt the patterns contributing to poor health outcomes among LBW children, and will ultimately maximize the reach and effectiveness of health promotion strategies and clinical practices aimed to improve universal maternal and infant health.
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