Adverse Outcomes Among Asian Indian Singleton Births in New Jersey, 2008-2011

J Immigr Minor Health. 2015 Aug;17(4):1138-45. doi: 10.1007/s10903-014-0075-y.

Abstract

The study determined the incidence of low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), preterm birth, and perinatal morbidity among Asian Indians (AI) in New Jersey (NJ), as well as identified predictors of SGA. We analyzed birth records for singletons born to mothers identified as AI and non-Hispanic white from 2008 to 2011, obtained from the NJ Department of Health. For AI, rates of LBW and SGA were elevated, rates of preterm birth were similar, and neonatal intensive care unit admission was lower, compared to whites. Factors associated with SGA in AI included nulliparity, anemia, hypertension, placental abruption, and lack of prenatal care. Maternal education, marital status, substance abuse, and timing of prenatal care were associated with SGA in whites, but not in AI. SGA incidence was higher among AI despite preterm rates similar to whites. Anemia was associated with SGA uniquely among AI.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Asian / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • India / ethnology
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Small for Gestational Age*
  • Middle Aged
  • New Jersey / epidemiology
  • Perinatal Mortality / ethnology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth / epidemiology
  • Premature Birth / ethnology*
  • White People / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult