Related Experiment Videos
[Secular changes in anthropometrical variables at birth: a local perspective].
Hugo Amigo1, Patricia Bustos, Elinor Zumelzu
1Departamento de Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile. hamigo@machi.med.uchile.cl
Revista Medica De Chile
|December 21, 2002
Summary
Birth anthropometric measurements improved significantly between 1974-1978 and 1995-1999 in Chile. Increased birth weight and length, with reduced low birth weight, suggest better pregnancy conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Human Growth and Development
Background:
- Birth anthropometric measurements are linked to adult non-communicable chronic diseases.
- Conditions during pregnancy significantly influence fetal development and birth outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in birth anthropometric measurements in Valparaiso, Chile.
- Compare data from 1974-1978 with data from 1995-1999.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the public healthcare system.
- Included a universe of 5,018 newborns across two distinct periods.
Main Results:
- Observed a 38% decrease in deliveries, 0.7% decrease in parity, and 1.4% decrease in preterm deliveries.
- Noted a significant increase in birth weight (246g males, 210g females) and length (0.5cm males, 0.4cm females).
- Reduced low birth weight from 9% to 4.2% and length below -2 SD from 5.4% to 1.5%.
Conclusions:
- Significant improvements in birth anthropometric measurements occurred over 20 years.
- Enhanced conditions during pregnancy are likely responsible for these positive changes.