Family networks in prenatal and postnatal health

Bibliographic Data

ID5958729
AuthorsLynne M Casper (Pennsylvania State University, corresponding author), Dennis P Hogan (Pennsylvania State University)
Year1990
Volume37
Issue1-2
Pages84-101
Publication date1990-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueBiodemography and Social Biology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1948-5565 • E-ISSN: 1948-5573
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/19485565.1990.9988749
PMID2270510
OpenAlexW2009496841
LanguageEN
Citations received13
References cited16

This paper examines the effects of kin access on prenatal health practices, birth outcome, and postnatal health practice for infants born to black and white mothers ages 21 to 28 in the U.S. during 1984-86. The data used for this research were compiled from three sources: (1) The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth; (2) The Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth; (3) special kin access data files, which were created specifically for this study. Logistic regression procedures are used to assess the effects of kin proximity, maternal grandmother proximity, and presence of the child's father on health practices (N = 1,030) and birth outcome (N = 1,385), controlling for the mother's educational attainment, work experience, poverty, presence of the child's father, and birth order of the child. We find no evidence supporting the notion that kin access positively affects the prenatal and postnatal health practices of young mothers. The results suggest that young mothers who reside with their mothers or other adult kin, and those who are in close proximity to them, are no more likely to seek prenatal care during the first trimester, or to avoid smoking or drinking during pregnancy. Mothers who live with a sexual partner or husband are, however, somewhat more likely to seek prenatal care and to avoid alcohol use during pregnancy. Closer kin access is associated with a lower probability of breastfeeding. These results suggest that it will not be adequate to rely on kin networks or kin assistance to improve the prospect of healthy birth outcomes

Environmental health · Obstetrics · Population · Prenatal care · Child and Adolescent Health · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Psychology

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