Effects of marital status and racial disparities in low birthweight infants of Medicaid women

This is a secondary analysis of US 2012 Birth Certificates, for first-time Black, White, and Hispanic mothers on Medicaid. Birth data were analyzed for the effects of weathering on odds of low birthweight, while controlling for hypertensive disorders and marital status, as well as smoking. Results show that the weathering concept was not supported, but reasons are discussed. Being married was a significant protective factor against low birthweight, especially for these Black women.