A multilevel non-hierarchical study of birth weight and socioeconomic status.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is unclear whether the socioeconomic status (SES) of the community of residence has a substantial association with infant birth weight. We used multilevel models to examine associations of birth weight with family- and community-level SES in the Cape Cod Family Health Study. Data were collected retrospectively on births to women between 1969 and 1983 living on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The sample included siblings born in different residences with differing community-level SES.

Methods

We used cross-classified models to account for multiple levels of correlation in a non-hierarchical data structure. We accounted for clustering at family- and community-levels. Models included extensive individual- and family-level covariates. SES variables of interest were matern

SUBMITTER: Young RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2909180 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature