Deana J. Furr

ORCID Identifier(s)

0000-0001-8816-3645

Graduation Semester and Year

2017

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Cheryl Ann Anderson

Abstract

Low infant birth weight is a persistent problem in the United States. Psychosocial protective factors may confer benefits to vulnerable women, resulting in increased likelihood of healthy infant birth weight (HIBW). Few studies have examined predictors or correlates of healthy birth outcomes. The purpose of this study was to increase knowledge of protective factors and predictors of HIBW among childbearing women. A secondary analysis of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study public use baseline maternal surveys (1998 – 2000) was conducted (N = 4,759). Main predictors of HIBW were being married (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.38, 90% CI 1.12, 5.06) and (not) smoking (OR) 0.79 (90% CI 0.70, 0.89). Social support by FOB, self-rated health, and Hispanic and Other ethnicities were positively correlated with HIBW. Increasing relationship closeness with the FOB was associated with greater likelihood of HIBW. Black ethnicity, unmarried status, and increased church attendance negatively associated with HIBW (p=<.01). Nursing implications emphasize the importance of preconceptual and prenatal assessment and health promotion, including smoking cessation and reduction, and promoting social support from the FOB, particularly among Black, single women who smoke.

Keywords

Infant birth weight, Protective factors

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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