Contribution of local area deprivation to cultural-linguistic inequalities in foetal growth restriction: trends over time in a Canadian metropolitan centre

Abstract

This study investigated temporal trends in heterogeneity of foetal growth restriction across neighbourhood deprivation levels for two culturally distinct communities (Anglophones and Francophones) in a North American metropolitan centre. Inequalities in foetal growth restriction related to deprivation fell from 1989 to 2008 for Francophones, but initial improvements for Anglophones later reversed with a rise in poor foetal growth in the most materially disadvantaged and, unexpectedly, advantaged areas as well. Inequalities in foetal growth restriction related to neighbourhood material deprivation may be emerging in this minority Anglophone population. Potential mechanisms underlying these trends are discussed, as well as implications for perinatal health policy.