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Risk factors for low birthweight in Singapore: strategies for prevention
O A Viegas1, K Singh, E L Cheng
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, National University Hospital.
Insights
Low birthweight (LBW) affects 7.4% of singleton births. Preventing LBW through public health measures before pregnancy is more cost-effective than intensive perinatal care, especially in developing nations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Perinatal Medicine
- Sociology
Background:
- Low birthweight (LBW) is a significant global health concern.
- The incidence of LBW in singleton births at this unit was 7.4%.
- Socio-demographic factors play a crucial role in the etiology of LBW.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence of LBW.
- To identify socio-demographic risk factors associated with LBW.
- To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of preventive public health measures versus intensive perinatal services.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 9399 singleton births.
- Statistical analysis of 698 LBW infants.
- Examination of socio-demographic risk factors.
Main Results:
- The incidence of LBW was 7.4% (698/9399 births).
- Multiple socio-demographic risk factors were identified in the etiology of LBW.
- Preventive measures before pregnancy show potential for cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- LBW is linked to various preventable socio-demographic factors.
- Implementing pre-conception public health strategies is economically and socially preferable.
- Investment in preventive care may be more beneficial than solely relying on intensive perinatal services, particularly in developing countries.
Abstract:
An analysis of 9399 consecutive singleton births delivered at this unit is presented. The incidence of low birthweight (less than 2500 g) was 7.4%. Further analysis of the 698 low birth weight babies indicated that a variety of socio-demographic risk factors are operational in the etiology of low birthweight. Many of these are preventable before pregnancy so that the implementation of preventive Public Health measures utilising appropriate technology at least in developing countries may be socially and economically preferable to continued financial investment in intensive perinatal services.