The perinatal and infant health status of Native Hawaiians.

Kieffer, E C; Mor, J M; Alexander, G R · Am J Public Health · 1994

cross_sectional · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

Hawaii vital record data for 1979 through 1990 were analyzed to examine potentially differing relationships between maternal and infant risks and outcomes in native Hawaiian and White infants. Despite high rates of inadequate prenatal care and teenage and unmarried childbearing, the Hawaiian low-birth-weight rate was below the US average. Hawaiian infants experienced an elevated risk of mortality, particularly among those of normal birthweight during the postneonatal period. Public health initiatives to reduce infant mortality must go beyond preventing teenage pregnancy and low birthweight to address Hawaiian infants' unique pattern of risk factors and the social and economic environment in which such risks abound.

Medical subject headings