The Association between Stress, Anxiety, and Low Birth Weights among Infants at Hamilton Community Health Network

The prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) infants in Flint, MI is higher than the national average. Although LBW infants are at an increased risk for the subsequent development of health problems in childhood, few studies have examined the factors associated with the occurrence ofLBW infants. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the perceived stress among mothers was associated with LBW infant-rates. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey was conducted at Hamilton Community Health Network in 2017. The eligibility criteria included: aged between 18 and 45 years, English speakers, given birth in the past 24 months, and obtained prenatal care services during pregnancy. Descriptive statistics, chi square-test and analysis of variances were used to compare characteristics in eligible mothers. Of 157 eligible mothers, their mean age was 26 years. A majority were African American (76%), single (67%), obese (BMI=32.4), GED or less (67%), and had Medicaid (92%). Results indicated that there was an association between stress and anxiety among mothers at Hamilton Community Health Network. Mothers with LBW infants were more likely to be African American, obese and have Medicaid, although this was not statistically significant. To summarize, the perceived stress may influence the prevalence ofLBW infants in Flint, MI. Further studies are needed to identify possible psycho-social mediators to improve pregnancy outcomes among mothers living in the area.Master of Public Health (MPH)School of Health Professions and StudiesUniversity of Michiganhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/144535/1/bacon2018.pdfDescription of bacon2018.pdf : Restricted to UM users only