Women s health issues : official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women s Health | 2019
Medical and Psychosocial Risk Profiles for Low Birthweight and Preterm Birth.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES\nLow birthweight and preterm birth are risk factors for infant mortality and persistent problems. This study uses representative data to assess whether distinct latent profiles of co-occurring medical and psychosocial factors have implications for preterm birth and low birthweight.\n\n\nMETHODS\nData are from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a cross-sectional survey constituting representative data on pregnancies from 2012 to 2013. Latent class analysis derived classes of pregnant women potentially at risk for low birthweight and/or preterm birth.\n\n\nRESULTS\nLatent class analysis identified five homogenous profiles of interrelated psychosocial and medical factors. Risk was greatest for the profile marked by high rates of medical factors, followed by a high risk for a profile marked by a combination of very low income and psychosocial factors. Two profiles involving low income and very low income also indicated greater risk for adverse birth outcomes related to socioeconomic status.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nMore attention should be paid to screening for and addressing psychosocial risk in concert with prenatal care. Women who show high-risk profiles can be monitored and supported by an interdisciplinary care team, when warranted.