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Seasonal Variations in Birth Patterns in Greece: A Comprehensive Analysis of National Data From 1956 to 2022
Nikolaos Vlachadis1, Nikolaos Antonakopoulos2, Dionysios N Vrachnis3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital of Messinia, Kalamata, GRC.
Cureus
|December 23, 2024
Summary
Greek birth seasonality has shifted significantly, moving from early year peaks to major surges in July and September. This long-term trend reflects changing reproductive behaviors and impacts healthcare planning.
Area of Science:
- Demography
- Public Health
- Reproductive Epidemiology
Background:
- Human birth seasonality is a global phenomenon influenced by biological and socio-cultural factors.
- Long-term birth data from Greece (1956-2022) provide a unique opportunity to study evolving seasonal patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze long-term trends and changes in seasonal birth patterns in Greece.
- To identify shifts in birth timing and amplitude over nearly seven decades.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 8,144,465 live births in Greece from 1956 to 2022.
- Utilized the Edwards method to calculate peak angle (PA) and peak-to-low ratio (PLR).
- Employed joinpoint regression analysis to assess temporal trends and annual percentage change (APC).
Main Results:
- Birth seasonality was significant annually, with a notable shift towards the second half of the year.
- Peak birth months transitioned from January/February to July and September.
- Seasonal amplitude (PLR) declined significantly from 1960 to 1992, then stabilized.
Conclusions:
- Significant changes in Greek birth seasonality observed, with a shift towards later-year births.
- These trends indicate evolving reproductive behaviors in Greece.
- Findings have implications for reproductive and perinatal healthcare planning and resource allocation.
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