Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Advisor
Jeannette Manger
Abstract
Background: The incidence of low birth weight (LBW) has not substantially fallen over time despite advances in medical interventions. LBW has been linked to several chronic diseases in adulthood including type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), making it a particularly salient public health issue.
Objective: To examine socioeconomic factors and diseases associated with LBW in Ohio between 2016-2022.
Methods: Using data from County Health Rankings, we identified socioeconomic factors predictive of LBW in Ohio between 2016-2022. We also examined the relationship between LBW and incidence of T2DM as well as food insecurity (FI). In addition, we investigated how LBW incidence has changed over time (2016-2023).
Results: Since 2016, the proportion of live births with LBW has not significantly changed. A significantly positive correlation was found between LBW and incidence of T2DM as well as FI. There was a statistically significant difference between LBW in urban versus rural counties with urban counties having higher incidence rates. For both rural and urban counties, the percentage of children in single parent households was most predictive of LBW. In rural counties, severe housing problems and percent uninsured adults also had high predictive value.
Repository Citation
Gora, R., & Amin, H. (2025). The Relationship Between Socioeconomic Factors and Low Birth Rates in Ohio. Wright State University. Dayton, Ohio.
