The relationship between low birthweight and childhood health: disparities by race, ethnicity, and national origin

Abstract Purpose Racial/ethnic disparities in rates of low birthweight (LBW) are well established, as are racial/ethnic differences in health outcomes over the life course. Yet, there is little empirical work examining whether the consequences of LBW for subsequent child health vary by race, ethnicity, and national origin. Methods Using data from the 1998–2016 National Health Interview Survey, we examined whether racial, ethnic, and national differences existed in the association between LBW and subsequent health outcomes, namely being diagnosed with a developmental disability, asthma diagnosis, and poorer general health. Results Children born with LBW consistently had poorer health relative to children born with normal birthweight. There was no systematic evidence that the linkages between LBW and subsequent health were weaker for one racial/ethnic/national origin group relative to others. Conclusions LBW was associated with subsequent poorer health. There was no systematic evidence that the link between LBW and subsequent child health were weaker for one racial/ethnic/national origin group relative to others. Together, these findings highlight the importance of reducing race/ethnic disparities in rates of LBW as a way of eradicating inequalities in childhood health.