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Sizes at birth in Shiraz, Iran
S M T Ayatollahi1, S Shahsawary
1Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, I.R. Iran. biostat@pearl.sums.ac.ir
Insights
This study presents birth size data for 507 healthy Iranian neonates. Maternal factors like education and pre-pregnancy weight significantly influenced infant size at birth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Health
- Anthropometry
Background:
- Establishing normative data for neonatal anthropometry is crucial for assessing infant growth and health.
- Regional variations in birth size necessitate localized studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present anthropometric measurements of healthy singleton neonates born in Shiraz, Iran.
- To identify factors influencing birth size in this population.
- To analyze correlations between different anthropometric parameters.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 507 healthy singleton neonates (244 boys, 263 girls) was studied.
- Measurements included supine length, weight, head circumference, chest circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference.
- Statistical analysis was performed to determine means, standard deviations, sex differences, and correlations.
Main Results:
- Significant sex differences were observed in length, weight, head circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference (p < 0.05).
- Maternal education, pre-conception weight, and family social class were significant predictors of birth size.
- Birth order and paternal education did not show significant effects.
Conclusions:
- The study provides valuable reference data for neonatal anthropometry in the urban Iranian population.
- Maternal characteristics play a significant role in determining infant birth size.
- Strong correlations exist between various anthropometric measurements at birth.
Abstract:
Size at birth of a random sample of 507 singleton healthy neonates (244 boys and 263 girls) of Shiraz (southern Iran) is presented. Mean +/- SD of girls and boys (p-value for sex difference) of supine length (mm), weight (g), mid upper arm circumference (mm), head circumference (mm) and chest circumference (mm) were estimated as 488 +/- 21 and 494 +/- 23 (p < 0.05); 3150 +/- 450 and 3300 +/- 500 (p < 0.005); 105 +/- 8 and 106 +/- 10 (p < 0.01); 342 +/- 13 and 346 +/- 15 (p < 0.0001); 324 +/- 18 and 326 +/- 20, (p > 0.05), respectively. Mothers' level of education, mothers' weight before conception and prior to giving birth, and family social class were identified as factors affecting size at birth, while birth order and fathers' level of education showed no significant effects on these measurements. Sizes at birth were significantly correlated together (p < 0.0001). The highest and lowest correlations were observed between chest circumference and weight (r = 0.77) and arm circumference and length of neonates (r = 0.45), respectively. The representativeness of the data suggest that the measurements obtained are likely to be applied to urban population of neonates of Iran.