Low Birth Weight Disparities
Low birth weight and preterm infants in ethnic groups are attributed to “unequal distribution of economic and social resources across the diverse set of racial and ethnic groups. Many of the resources and programs available for prenatal care and infant health are too broad and comprehensive that they are not able to meet the unique needs of each specific racial and ethnic group. In addition, factors such as “sociodemographic characteristics, health care access, maternal health status, and health behaviors” influence birth weight disparities among these groups (Sparks, 2009, p. 769).
As a result, low birth weight infants are frequently re-hospitalized due to various neonatal morbidities such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus,