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Low birth weight (LBW) affects 6.4% of newborns in China, with significantly higher perinatal mortality rates. This study analyzes LBW incidence and its impact on infant survival.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatology
- Public Health
Context:
- A large-scale study in China (1986-1987) analyzed over 1.2 million births.
- Identified 79,515 low birth weight (LBW) infants, representing a 6.4% incidence rate.
- Examined regional variations in LBW, from 4.8% in Beijing to 12.6% in Tibet.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of low birth weight (LBW) in China.
- To investigate the relationship between LBW and perinatal mortality.
- To identify major contributing factors to LBW and perinatal death.
Summary:
- The study found an overall LBW incidence of 64.0 per 1000 births.
- Perinatal mortality rate (PMR) was significantly higher in LBW infants (176.7%) compared to normal birth weight infants (15.9%).
- Full-term LBW accounted for 35.8% of all LBW cases.
Impact:
- Highlights the substantial public health burden of LBW in China.
- Underscores the critical need for interventions to reduce LBW and improve neonatal outcomes.
- Provides baseline data for future studies on LBW prevention and management strategies.
Abstract:
Within one year period (1986, 10-1987, 9), there were a total of 1,243,248 births (from 28 weeks of gestation to 7 days postpartum) in 945 hospitals of 29 provinces, cities and autonomous regions in China. Among these, 79,515 were low birth weight (LBW) babies (B. W. less than 2,500 g), and the incidence was 64.0 per thousand birth, ranging from 48.0 (Beijing) to 125.8 (Tibet) birth. The incidence of full term LBW was 35.8% birth, the overall perinatal mortality rate (PMR) was 26.7% while PMR in the LBW group (176.7%) was 11.1 times higher than that of birth weight over 2,500 g group (15.9%). The major causes of LBW and perinatal death were discussed.