Citation
Strutz, K. L.; Richardson, L. J.; & Hussey, J. M. (2014). Selected preconception health indicators and birth weight disparities in a national study. Women's Health Issues. vol. 24 (1) pp. e89-e97 , PMCID: PMC3910115Abstract
Background: This analysis explored the effect of timing, sequencing, and change in preconception health across adolescence and young adulthood on racial/ethnic disparities in birth weight in a diverse national cohort of young adult women.Methods: Data came from Waves I (1994-1995), III (2001-2002), and IV (2007-2008) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Eligibility was restricted to all singleton live births to female non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Mexican-origin Latina, or Asian/Pacific Islander participants (n=3,014) occurring between the Wave III (ages 18-26years) and IV (ages 24-32years) interviews. Birth weight was categorized into low (<2,500g), normal (2,500-4,000g), and macrosomic (>4,000g). Preconception health indicators were cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, overweight or obesity, and inadequate physical activity, measured in adolescence (Wave I, ages 11-19years) and early adulthood (Wave III) and combined into four-category variables to capture the timing and sequencing of exposure.
Findings: Measures of preconception health did not explain the Black-White disparity in low birth weight, which increased after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio [OR],2.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-3.53) and effect modification by overweight/obesity (OR,3.58; 95% CI, 1.65-7.78). A positive association between adult-onset overweight/obesity and macrosomia was modified by race (OR,3.83; 95% CI, 1.02-14.36 for Black women).
Conclusions: This longitudinal analysis provides new evidence on preconception health and racial/ethnic disparities in birth weight. Specifically, it indicates that interventions focused on prevention of overweight/obesity and maintenance of healthy weight during the transition to adulthood, especially among Black females, may be warranted. © 2014 Jacobs Institute of Women's Health.
URL
http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84892451871&partnerID=40&md5=4c2ca374f93e8d5b343718639b238547Notes
Export Date: 5 February 2014Reference Type
Journal ArticleJournal Title
Women's Health IssuesAuthor(s)
Strutz, K. L.Richardson, L. J.
Hussey, J. M.