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. 2008 Jul;19(1):12-8.

Race, ethnicity, concentrated poverty, and low birth weight disparities

Mario Sims  1 , Tammy L Sims, Marino A Bruce
Affiliations

Race, ethnicity, concentrated poverty, and low birth weight disparities

Mario Sims et al. J Natl Black Nurses Assoc. 2008 Jul.

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which the relationship between area socioeconomic position (SEP) and low birth weight (LBW) varies by race and ethnicity. A cross-sectional, secondary data analysis was performed with 1992-1994 Vital Statistics and 1990 U.S. Census data for selected metropolitan areas. Low birth weight (< 2500 grams) rates were calculated for non-Hispanic Black, Latino, and non-Hispanic White live singleton births. Concentrated poverty was defined as poor persons living in neighborhoods with 40% or more poverty in metropolitan areas. The results showed that the relationship between concentrated poverty and LBW varied by race and ethnicity. Concentrated poverty was significant for Latinos, even when controlling for maternal health and MSA-level factors. By contrast, maternal health characteristics, such as pre-term birth, teen birth and tobacco use, explained much of the variance in African-American and White LBW These findings extend the discussion about race, class, and health disparities to include Latinos and shows how the relationship between SEP and LBW can vary within an ethnic group.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Association of Minority-White LBW with concentrated poverty
Source: 1990 U.S. Census data and 1992–1994 Vital Statistics
Figure 2
Figure 2. Association of Latino-White LBW with ethnicity
Source: 1990 U.S. Census data and 1992–1994 Vital Statistics
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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