Changes in the association of low birth weight with socioeconomic status in Hawaii: 1970-1990

This study examines rates of low birth weight (LBW) in the state of Hawaii and changes in the association of LBW with socioeconomic status from 1970 to 1990. The analysis is based on aggregate data for census tracts. Rates of low birth weight were calculated for each census tract. Relative socioeconomic scores were calculated from average household income and years of education. The results show that (1) there was a decrease in the rate of low birth weight infants in Hawaii; and (2) that the correlation between socioeconomic status and low birth weight was substantially reduced, though a significant correlation remains. The paper suggests likely ceiling effects, but that the progressive public health policies and expansion of access to primary health care in Hawaii during this period played a major role in reducing the rate of low birth weight infants and in decreasing socioeconomic inequality on this important health indicator.