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Elizabeth J. Esterly, PhD, School of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 2915 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43202, 614-263-0299, esterly.3@osu.edu
The issue of low birthweight has been an enigma to researchers and public health practitioners alike. Despite advanced technology, earlier detection of medical concerns, and specific public health interventions among high risk maternal populations, low birthweight rates have not decreased over the past ten years. During 2001 in Ohio, 7.1% of White infants and 13.4% of Black infants were born low birthweight. This session addresses the questions: What are the risk factors for low birthweight? Why are there such high disparities between Black and White infants born low birth weight? and What are the evidence-based best practices for reducing the percent of infants born low birthweight? Thorough reviews of the low birthweight and best practices literature were conducted. Multiple databases and on-line evidence-based best practices resources (e.g., Medline, Cochrane Collaborative) were searched. Using Ohio vital statistics, PRAMS, and PPOR analysis data, socio-demographic risk factors are first presented. Then behavioral, psychological, environmental, and medical risk factors prior to and during pregnancy are identified. For each risk factor, evidence-based best practices are presented and discussed. Best practices that help decrease low birthweight disparities are highlighted. The primary objective of this session is to inform low birthweight prevention policy and programming decisions using evidence-based research.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to
Keywords: Low Birthweight, Policy/Policy Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.