Heterogeneity of Birthweight Outcomes among Latinas in Boston

Abstract

This study examines the increase in poor birth outcomes, particularly low birthweight (LBW) and very low birthweight (VLBW) among Latinas in Boston for 1992–1994 and 1996. The research questions were: 1) What are the factors influencing Latino birth outcomes particularly LBW and VLBW?; and 2) Do these factors occur differently among Latino women from different ethnic backgrounds? Birth certificate data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for Latinos in Boston from 1987–1995 were used to examine these questions. The sociodemographic, health access, maternal/biological, substance abuse, and infant risk factors contributing to poor birthweight outcomes among Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Mexicans, Central Americans, South Americans, and other Latino ethnic groups were examined through bivariate and multivariate analyses. Statistically significant differences were observed among the groups. The findings reveal variation in the number and types of variables affecting birthweight among various Latino ethnic groups and inform health and social policies regarding Latino women's reproductive and perinatal health.