Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Low Birthweight Among Urban Unmarried Mothers

摘要: Objectives We examined racial and ethnic disparities in low birthweight (LBW) among unmarried mothers the extent to which demographic, economic, psychosocial, health, health care, behavioral factors explain those disparities. Methods Using a sample of 2,412 non-marital births from national urban birth cohort study, we estimated multiple logistic regression models examine LBW between non-Hispanic white (NHW), black (NHB), U.S.-born Mexican-origin (USMO), foreignborn (FBMO) mothers. Results NHW were almost as likely NHB have infants. USMO had 60% lower odds FBMO 57% than having no advantage compared Controlling for prenatal behaviors substantially reduced advantages The relative increased with addition same covariates. Conclusions Racial mothers—an economically disadvantaged population—do not mirror general population. Prenatal are strongly associated this group sizable portion advantage. lack significant blackwhite disparity suggests that poverty plays an important role shaping finding controlling widens rather narrows efforts ameliorate black-white should focus on social risks throughout life course.