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Abstract
Introduction: Infant mortality continues to be a major health problem in Michigan, with low birthweight (LBW) being a leading cause. Between 2020 and 2022, Black infants were nearly twice as likely to be LBW compared to White infants. The purpose of this study was to use electronic medical records (EMR) data to assess predictors of LBW and determine whether race influenced this relationship using a unique data source of EMR in Flint, Michigan (MI).
Methods: A retrospective study from 2013 to 2016 was conducted at the Health Resources and Services Administration local health center in Flint, MI. Demographics, birth characteristics, comorbidities, and prenatal care utilization data were measured using EMR data. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations of interest.
Results: Among 1,329 vaginal singleton births, shorter gestational weeks at delivery, multiparity, and low frequency of prenatal care visits were associated with increased odds of LBW infants. Mothers who started prenatal care during the 1st trimester were more likely to have LBW infants. This finding was somewhat stronger among Black mothers (AOR=1.79, 95% CI:1.38-3.07) compared to White mothers (AOR=1.50, 95% CI:1.00-3.00). The prevalence of prenatal care utilization in this population increased from 33% in 2014 to 57% in 2016.
Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for a health equity approach to support low-income and underserved pregnant women deliver healthy infants.
Recommended Citation
Suzuki, Rie and Monroy-Sechague, Neida
(2024)
"Predictors of Low Birthweight Using Data from Electronic Medical Records in Flint, Michigan, 2013 to 2016,"
Michigan Journal of Public Health: Vol. 11:
Iss.
1, Article 7.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mjph/vol11/iss1/7