Preterm delivery is one of the important causes of infant morbidity and mortality in the United States (U.S.). Annually, 12% of infants are born preterm in the U.S. and preterm birth related causes of death account for approximately 35% of all infant deaths. Using the latest (2012) National Survey of Children’s Health, the study aims to estimate the prevalence rates of preterm birth in the U.S., and identify key risk factors associated with it. Data (n=42,282) was obtained from the 2012 NSCH. Using the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations, preterm birth was defined as one occurring less than 37 completed weeks of gestation from the first day of Page 26 2015 Appalachian Student Research Forum the last menstrual period. Based on existing literature, the following maternal and child characteristics were included as potential factors associated with preterm birth in the U.S. – infant gender, race, maternal smoking or maternal exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), family income and maternal general health status. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequencies and proportions. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association of selected variables with the preterm birth. Overall, 10.65% of live births were born preterm in the U.S. during 2012. Preterm birth prevalence rates were higher among males (12.07%), non-Hispanic blacks (14.34%) and those born to mothers who were smokers or exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy (23.8%). Males had higher odds of being born preterm (OR 1.07 95% CI 1.01-1.15) than females. Non-Hispanic White is less likely to be born preterm (OR 0.86 95% CI 0.74-0.99) compared to non-Hispanic black. Infants born to mothers who were smokers or exposed to SHS during pregnancy had higher odds of being born preterm (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.97-1.13) compared to those born to women who were non-smokers and not exposed to SHS. Infants born to women who reported better general health status were less likely to be born preterm (Excellent/Very good vs Fair/Poor: OR 0.51 95% CI 0.46-0.56, Good vs Fair/Poor: OR 0.68 95% CI 0.61-0.75) than referent group. Approximately one-tenths of live births in the U.S. were born preterm. Study findings demonstrated infant race, gender, maternal general health status and maternal smoking or secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy as factors associated with preterm birth. Determining these factors is important in the development of effective intervention programs and policies to reduce the rates of preterm birth in the U.S.

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Despite substantial evidence linking improved pregnancy outcomes with receipt of prenatal care and recent improvements in prenatal care utilization, specific subpopulations continue to receive late prenatal care and experience adverse birth outcomes. This study will use the Health Belief Model and the Intersectionality Framework to examine the timing of prenatal care utilization, prenatal care compliance, and adverse birth outcomes within a group of low-income, black women in the South. Black women have worst rates of late prenatal care utilization and compliance than any other racial group. This late prenatal care utilization and compliance leads to adverse birth outcomes. A secondary data analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression and OLS regression to examine agency factors, structural factor, and risk health behavior in predicting timing of prenatal care utilization and compliance. In addition, this study also examines timing of prenatal care utilization and compliances and its effects on preterm birth and low birth weight. The results show that family size and knowledge/attitude significantly influences timing of prenatal care. Prenatal care compliance is influenced by church social support and low birth weight is influenced by private insurance. The results of this study show that although much is known in comparing different racial groups, more investigation is needed to explain why low income black women still experience less prenatal care use and compliance and worse adverse birth outcomes than any other racial group in the United States.

Abstract Identifying Data Needs to Support the Public Health Program of First Care Background: First Care (FC) is a Georgia (GA) public health (PH) program funded by Title V Block Grant, whose main purpose is to provide collaborative skilled PH services for infants with LBW and VLBW (low and very low birth weight) as well as those considered at high risk for illness and disabilities. Purpose: 1. Describe current health outcomes of GA infants less than one years of age. * Current baselines of IMR (infant mortality rate), preterm, very low birth weight (VLBW) and low birth weight (LBW) births 2. Use data to inform FC program in order to improve overall health outcomes in LBW, VLBW and preterm infants less than 1 years of age in GA as well as IMR. * Identifying common diagnoses and reasons for the hospitalization of infants less than one. Methods: Several online secondary data sources containing GA birth outcomes were evaluated. These sources were used to produce most current or 2008, GA and national profiles on health outcomes such as IMR, preterm, LBW and VLBW births. SAS was used to evaluate OHIP (Office of Health Information and Policy) hospital discharges in 2008 to determine common diagnosis affecting GA children under 1 years of age. Results: National comparisons of health outcomes revealed that GA consistently ranks below the national average for IMR, preterm, VLBW, and LBW births. GA’s poor health outcomes are also seen when compared to Healthy People 2010 objectives. A comparison of GA public health districts (PHD) health outcomes demonstrates lagging indicators mainly in the southern and midsection (central section) of GA. This study also revealed racial disparities indicating Blacks falling behind in all health outcomes when compared to Whites and Hispanics. Statistical analysis of hospital discharges showed that the top 25 discharges reflect common conditions that affect high-risk infants such as preterm, VLBW and LBW infants. Higher rates of morbidity were found in the southern and central PHDs of GA. Conclusion: The purpose for FC is to provide current data baselines on health outcomes of GA infants less than one year of age, as well as information regarding current hospitalizations. Current results are only preliminary findings underscoring the need for continued research. By emphasizing their need for monitoring will allow FC to focus on this critical role that will only grow with an expanding population in GA.