Determinants of Pregnancy Outcome and the Role of Prenatal Care Programs (New York City, 1960-1980)

摘要

The study seek to document to the relationship of 3 factors to the incidence and distribution of low birthweight (LBW) in New York City from 1960 to 1980. These factors were: (1) the availability of Maternity and Infant Care (MIC) projects and Neighborhood Health Center (NHC) programs; (2) changes in fertility structure, particularly in age specific and parity specific fertility rates; and (3) demographic and socioeconomic changes in New York City's health areas. Social area analyses were used cross-sectionally and longitudinally with 338 City health areas (HAs) serving as the unit of analysis. Exploratory analytical methods including factor and cluster analyses were used with conceptual models to identify significant predictors of adverse outcomes. Poverty, adverse fertility structure, and minority ethnic membership emerged as consistent correlates of poor pregnancy outcomes while service by MIC and NHC programs was associated with improved outcomes.