Racial differences in low birth weight: trends and risk factors

Risk factors on very low birth weight and moderately low birth weights of live births of black and white mothers in all states except California, Texas and Washington were investigated. This analysis was based on 1983 data but changes in rate and distribution of risk factors between 1973 and 1983 were considered in 28 states. Maternal characteristics such as age, parity, marital status, and education were investigated. Black women were found to be three times as likely to have a baby with moderately low birth weight. Results indicated the need to develop interventions to reduce racial disparity and to achieve further improvements in infant health.