Maternal and infant demographics and health status: a comparison of Black, Caucasian, and Hispanic families

Abstract

SummaryThe relationships among ethnicity, demographics, smoking and drinking habits, and maternal and infant health were examined in a sample of 171 low-income and low-risk Black, Caucasian, and Hispanic families. Few ethnic differences in the health status of the mothers and their infants emerged when ethnic differences were directly examined; however, a latent variable analysis indicated that ethnicity was related to smoking and drinking habits such that Caucasian mothers were more likely to smoke and drink. Smoking and drinking, in turn, led to smaller infant size at birth. Demographic differences found in level of income, education, and family composition suggest that low-income families are not necessarily homogeneous.

Universal Alcohol/Drug Screening in Prenatal Care: A Strategy for Reducing Racial Disparities? Questioning the Assumptions

“…However, women differ with respect to both substance and pattern of use. Most, (17–24) but not all, (6, 25, 26) studies have found that White women are more likely than Black women to use any alcohol during pregnancy. Some, (20, 25, 27, 28) but not all, (17, 24, 29) studies have found that racial differences disappear for binge and heavy alcohol use.…”