Birthweight differentials among Asian Americans

Objectives. This study examines differentials in mean birthweight and the risk for low birthweight among various Asian-American groups in New York State (n = 499 377). Methods. Using resident singleton live-birth records from New York State for 1985 and 1986, Asian-American births were compared with Black, American Indian, and White births. Multivariate ordinary least squares and logistic regression models were used to analyze ethnic differences. Results. Compared with White births, the expected mean difference in birthweight was -115 g for Chinese, -235 g for Japanese, -164 g for Filipinos, -120 g for Blacks, and 74 g for American Indians. The risk for low birthweight was 45% higher for Filipinos and 49% higher for Blacks as compared with Whites. Conclusions. Results of this study suggest substantial heterogeneity in mean birthweight and risk for low birthweight among ethnic groups in general and the major Asian-American groups in particular. Interestingly, after controlling for ethnic differences in sociodemographic risk factors, Filipinos appear to resemble Blacks much more closely than they do their Japanese and Chinese counterparts with respect to risk for low birthweight.