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[Regional distribution of birth weights in Denmark during the period 1979-1983]
Insights
Infant birthweights in Denmark varied geographically, with lower weights in urban areas and higher weights in western regions. Higher average birthweights correlated with increased neonatal mortality rates.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Epidemiology
- Public Health Research
- Biostatistics
Context:
- Utilized the Danish National Board of Health's Medical Birth Register (1979-1983).
- Included a large cohort of 272,361 liveborn infants.
- Accounted for variations in infant sex, maternal age, and parity.
Purpose:
- To investigate geographical variations in infant birthweights across Denmark.
- To identify factors associated with these geographical differences.
- To explore the relationship between birthweight distribution and neonatal mortality.
Summary:
- Birthweight was lowest in the capital (Copenhagen) and highest in rural areas.
- Western Denmark, particularly Northern Jutland and Aarhus County, showed higher average birthweights.
- Geographical variations in gestational age and fetal growth partially explained birthweight differences.
Impact:
- Identified an unexpected positive association between county-level average birthweight and neonatal mortality.
- Highlights the complex interplay of geographical, socioeconomic, and biological factors on infant health outcomes.
- Suggests potential areas for targeted public health interventions to reduce infant mortality.
Abstract:
We investigated the geographical distribution of birthweights among liveborn infants in Denmark for the years 1979-1983, using the Medical Birth Register of the Danish National Board of Health. The investigation includes 272,361 liveborn children. The birthweight varies with the sex of the child, and with the age and parity of the mother. In the analysis of geographical variation of birthweight correction was made for these factors. We found an association between birthweight and urbanization, the lowest average birthweight being found in the capital, and the highest in the rural areas. Further, the average birthweight was higher in the western than in the eastern part of Denmark, especially in Northern Jutland and in Aarhus County. Geographical variation in gestational age explains part of the geographical variation in birthweight, but part of the variation must be explained by variation in the growth of fetuses. The role of genetic variation, variation in living conditions, and variation in the conduct of the health services is discussed. We found an unexpected association between the average birthweight in the counties, and neonatal mortality; the counties with high average birthweights also had a significantly increased neonatal mortalities.