Increased Incidence of Small for Gestational Age Neonates Among Hispanic English Only Speaking Women [20C

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The association of limited English proficiency and adverse perinatal outcomes is unclear. This study looked at the relationship between maternal language proficiency and birth weight. METHODS: Data from all Hispanic/Latino women in the database Peribank were included. The GROW-Centile calculator from the Perinatal Institute categorized neonates into 3 groups: small for gestational age (SGA), normal for gestational age, and large for gestational age (LGA). Logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounding factors (type I/II diabetes, gestational diabetes, maternal smoking, hypertension/preeclampsia, BMI, parity, country of birth, total years living in the US). RESULTS: Spanish only speaking patients (n=6248) had a lower incidence of SGA neonates than those with some English proficiency (n=3955) (OR .822; 95% CI .707-.954; P=.012). In contrast, English only speaking patients (n=295) had a higher incidence of SGA neonates than those with some Spanish proficiency (n=9908) (OR 1.452; 95% CI 1.045-2.019, P=.026). Of note, Spanish only speaking patients (n=6248) had a higher incidence of LGA neonates than those with some English proficiency (n=3955) (OR 1.266; 95% CI 1.052-1.523, P=.012). No association was found between English only speaking patients and LGA neonates (P=.937). CONCLUSION: Spanish only speaking patients were associated with larger neonates than those who have some English proficiency. One hypothesis is that higher English proficiency may be an indicator of greater assimilation into American culture, and therefore increased adoption of the American diet. As Hispanic/Latino patients become further assimilated into the American culture and diet, they may be at a higher risk of SGA neonates.