Disparities in birth weight between non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites: The effect of rural residency

Abstract

This research assesses the prevalence of low birth weight among non-Hispanic Blacks and nonHispanic Whites along the rural/urban continuum. Degree of social isolation and lack of social support are proposed mechanisms for explaining the high prevalence of low birth weight observed among Blacks in rural counties. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 Child data, the relative odds of low birth weight were estimated for Black and White women via logistic regression. Living in a predominately rural county exacerbates disparities in birth weight outcomes between Blacks and Whites. The odds of low birth weight among Blacks in the most rural locales are about two times higher than Whites in urban areas. Logistic regression models also revealed that racial disparities in low birth weight were almost completely accounted for by the presence of the father in the household when interactions effects for place of residence were also included in the model. Our results highlight the importance of place of residence and family structures for health outcomes among racial minorities.