Related Experiment Videos
Being born in Manitoba: a look at perinatal health issues
Patricia J Martens1, Shelley Derksen, Teresa Mayer
1Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. Pat_Martens@cpe.umanitoba.ca
Insights
Manitoba
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Manitoba's provincial health department commissioned an examination of newborn health.
- Key indicators studied were preterm birth, birthweight, and infant feeding practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze newborn health indicators in Manitoba from 1994-1998.
- To identify variations in these indicators across Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) and Winnipeg Community Areas (CAs).
- To explore associations with socioeconomic well-being and population health status.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Population Health Research Data Repository and the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (1996).
- Examined variations in preterm birth, low birthweight, and breastfeeding rates by geographic region (RHAs and CAs).
- Assessed correlations between health indicators and socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- Manitoba's preterm birth rate was 6.7%, with variations by RHA (5.3%-7.4%) and CA (5.7%-8.0%).
- Low birthweight rate was 5.3%, varying by RHA (2.7%-5.7%) and CA (4.4%-7.2%); lower income correlated with higher low birthweight risk.
- Breastfeeding initiation was 78%, with regional variations; lower income and poorer population health status were linked to lower breastfeeding rates.
Conclusions:
- Systematic prenatal and postpartum programs can improve child health outcomes in Manitoba.
- Interventions should include nutritional counseling, breastfeeding promotion, and smoking cessation.
- Social policies addressing disparities in low-income and poorer health status populations are crucial.
Objective:
The Manitoba Centre for Health Policy was commissioned by Manitoba's provincial health department to examine the health of newborns born 1994 through 1998, using three indicators: preterm birth (< 37 weeks gestation), birthweight, and type of infant feeding.
Methods:
Data were derived from the Population Health Research Data Repository and the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth 1996. Variation by 12 Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) and by 12 Winnipeg Community Areas (CAs) was examined, as well as associations with the population's health and socioeconomic well-being.
Results:
Manitoba's preterm birth rate was 6.7% of live births, from 5.3% to 7.4% by RHA, and 5.7% to 8.0% by Winnipeg CA. Manitoba's low birthweight rate (< 2500 g) was 5.3%, from 2.7% to 5.7% by RHA, and 4.4% to 7.2% by Winnipeg CA. The lower the income, the greater the likelihood of low birthweight (p < 0.05). Manitoba's breastfeeding initiation rate was 78%, from 64% to 87% by RHA, and 66% to 90% by Winnipeg CA. The lower the income and the poorer the health status of the population, the lower the breastfeeding rate (p < 0.001). Of those initiating breastfeeding, 42% breastfed for at least six months.
Conclusion:
Factors affecting child health in Manitoba could be addressed through systematic programs both during pregnancy and during the postpartum period, including support for nutritional counselling, promotion of breastfeeding, smoking cessation programs, and social policy decisions designed to overcome disparities within low-income groups and populations with poorer health status.