Perceived risk of preterm and low-birthweight birth in the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study
Presented in part at the Society of General Internal Medicine Mid-Atlantic Regional Meeting, Hershey, PA, March 10, 2006.
Received 20 July 2007; received in revised form 25 September 2007; accepted 18 December 2007. published online 06 May 2008.
Objective
Engaging women in preconception prevention may be challenging if at-risk women do not perceive increased risk. This study examined predictors of perceiving increased risk for preterm/low birthweight birth.
Study Design
Using the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study, a population-based sample of reproductive-age women, we analyzed whether sociodemographics, health and pregnancy history, health behaviors, attitudes, or health care utilization predicted risk perception of preterm/low-birthweight birth.
Results
Of the 645 women analyzed, 157 (24%) estimated their risk of preterm/low-birthweight birth to be very or somewhat likely. Higher perceived risk was associated with being underweight, previous preterm/low-birthweight birth, having a mother with previous preterm/low-birthweight birth, lower perceived severity of preterm/low birthweight, and smoking.
Conclusions
Several factors known to predict preterm/low birthweight did influence risk perception in this study, whereas others did not. Further research on how these factors have an impact on participation in preconception care programs is warranted.
aDivision of General Internal Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
bDepartment of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
cDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
dDepartment of Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA.
Reprints: Cynthia H. Chuang, MD, MSc, Penn State College of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, HU15, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033.
The Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study is funded in part by Grant 4100020719 from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. C.H.C. is supported by Grant K23HD051634 from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health specifically disclaims responsibility for any analyses, interpretations, or conclusions presented herein.
Cite this article as: Chuang CH, Green MJ, Chase GA, et al. Perceived risk of preterm and low-birthweight birth in the Central Pennsylvania Women's Health Study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008;199:64.e1-64.e7.
ABSTRACT