A Sociodemographic Comparison of Families of Very Low‐Birthweight Infants: 1982‐1991

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Abstract
Social and demographic characteristics were investigated in families who had very low-birthweight infants between 1982 and 1984 (historical cohort). Since those data were collected, the number of women using drugs during pregnancy has increased significantly. Therefore, between 1989 and 1991 (current cohort) we continued to document sociodemographic characteristics of families of very low-birthweight infants (144 mothers, 156 infants). Data were collected from review of hospital charts and outpatient health records, and monthly interviews. The two cohorts were similar demographically. Changes in family composition occurred more frequently in the current cohort. There was a startling increase in illicit drug use between the two groups of women: 3% in the historic cohort and 20% in the current cohort. In the historical cohort all infants went home to their mothers; however, in the current cohort 7.8% of infants were placed with other family caretakers. Infant health outcomes for the first six month after hospital discharge were similar in both groups. From 1982 to 1991 the increases in substance abuse, nonmaternal caretakers, family moves, and changes in family composition have implications for health care providers involved in infant follow-up care.