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Refugee Births and the Migrant Health Effect in Syracuse NY

Objectives In Syracuse, NY among 5998 births in a 3-year period (2017–2019), 24% were to foreign-born women, among whom nearly 5% were refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. The impetus for the study was to identify potential risk factors and birth outcomes of refugee women,...

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Published in:Maternal and child health journal 2023-09, Vol.27 (9), p.1599-1606
Main Authors: Goble, Gretchen, Formica, Margaret, Lane, Sandra D., Sous, Michaela, Stroup, Caroline, Rubinstein, Robert A., Shaw, Andrea
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Objectives In Syracuse, NY among 5998 births in a 3-year period (2017–2019), 24% were to foreign-born women, among whom nearly 5% were refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. The impetus for the study was to identify potential risk factors and birth outcomes of refugee women, other foreign-born women, and US born women to inform care. Methods This study reviewed 3 years of births (2017–2019) in a secondary database of births in Syracuse, New York. Data reviewed included maternal demographics, natality, behavioral risk factors (e.g., drug use, tobacco use), employment, health insurance, and education. Results In a logistic regression model controlling for race, education, insurance status, employment status, tobacco use and illicit drug use, compared to US born mothers, refugees (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24–0.83) and other foreign born (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.47–0.85) had significantly fewer low birth weight births. Conclusion The results of this study supported the “healthy migrant effect,” a concept that refugees have fewer low birth weight (LBW) births, premature births, and cesarean section deliveries than US born women. This study adds to the literature on refugee births and the healthy migrant effect. Significance The United States is a major receiving country for refugees. Because refugees have often experienced serious trauma and limited healthcare prior to resettlement, analyses of their birth experiences and pregnancy outcomes would help to guide care during pregnancy and post-partum.
ISSN:1092-7875
1573-6628
DOI:10.1007/s10995-023-03694-5