Maternal social determinants of health and birth weight

Social determinants of health (SDoH) affect health during pregnancy. Previous studies have looked at the association between individual SDoH among pregnant women and neonatal outcome. In this study we looked at the correlation between a cumulative SDoH score and birth weight.

Information on the social determinants of health (SDoH) among pregnant women was collected by using the electronic questionnaire. By using the color-coded wheel, generated by the electronic record system, we developed a SDoH score, ranging from 0-20. A SDoH color of green indicated no concern, while red indicated severe concern. The corresponding birth weight for the maternal SDoH score was noted after delivery. The data was analyzed using the MS excel program.

A total of 130 women out of 159 (81%) completed the questionnaire during the study period of eight weeks. The mean SDoH score was 3.12 with standard deviation of 2.3 (range 0-13). The mean birth weight was 3048 grams with standard deviation of 563 grams (range 860-4215 grams). A weak negative correlation (r = - 0.14, R² = 0.0217) was noted between the birth weight and SDoH score.

Maternal social determinants of health affect fetal growth. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.