Predicting low birthweight and complicated labor in urban black women: A biopsychosocial perspective

Kenneth G. Reeb, Antonnette V. Graham, Stephen J. Zyzanski and Gay C. Kitson

Social Science & Medicine, 1987, vol. 25, issue 12, 1321-1327

Abstract: This study explored demographic, biomedical and psychosocial factors as predictors of two adverse pregnancy outcomes: intrapartum complications and low birthweight, in 140 urban black pregnant women. The intrapartum complication rate was 18%. A four factor equation (low family functioning, advanced maternal age, working during pregnancy, and short stature) predicted intrapartum complications (80% sensitivity, 67% specificity and 35% positive predictive value). The low birthweight rate was 14%. Four factors (low family functioning, stressful events, Quetelet's Index, and cigarette smoking) predicted low birthweight (65% sensitivity, 84% specificity and 42% positive predictive value). Family functioning, alone, predicted low birthweight with 65% sensitivity, 64% specificity and 31% positive predictive value. Family functioning, was the only predictor for both outcomes. Family functioning and other psychosocial risk factors may potentially improve identification of high risk pregnant urban black women.

Keywords: prenatal; screening; risk; assessment; low; birthweight; family; functioning; stress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1987
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