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Low birthweight in Mexico: a systematic review
Pierre Buekens1, Caitlin Canfield, Nicolas Padilla
1School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70112-2705, USA. pbuekens@tulane.edu
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|February 11, 2012
Summary
Low birthweight (LBW) rates in Mexico are available and vary by altitude. Official data and studies show LBW rates around 8.5%, with higher rates in high-altitude regions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Perinatal Research
Background:
- Limited data exists on birth outcomes in Mexico, despite extensive research on Mexican-origin women in the US.
- Understanding low birthweight (LBW) prevalence in Mexico is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze available data on low birthweight (LBW) rates in Mexico.
- To assess the influence of geographical factors, specifically altitude, on LBW prevalence across different Mexican regions.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic literature review of Mexican administrative databases and major health databases (OVID, EMBASE, PubMed, Bireme).
- Included studies in English, Spanish, or Portuguese reporting LBW data (defined as < or ≤2,500g) for newborns in Mexico.
- Accounted for altitude's influence on birthweight when comparing regional LBW rates.
Main Results:
- Official birth certificate data indicated LBW rates of 8.2% (2008) and 8.5% (2009).
- In 2009, high-altitude regions (≥2,000m) exhibited LBW rates above the national median (>7.9%).
- Systematic review identified 22 hospital-based studies and 3 surveys; hospital data aligned closely with administrative data, while survey data showed slightly higher rates.
Conclusions:
- Data on low birthweight (LBW) rates in Mexico are accessible and available for further analysis.
- Altitude is a significant factor influencing LBW prevalence across different regions of Mexico.
- Further research and comparative studies utilizing existing Mexican LBW data are recommended for public health strategies.
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