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Birth weight of infants in The Seychelles
Insights
A 1977 Seychelles study found female infant birth weights increased with maternal age and parity. Male infants had peak birth weights between ages 21-30 and parity of one to two.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal age and parity are known factors influencing infant birth weight.
- Understanding these demographic influences is crucial for perinatal health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the relationship between maternal demographics and infant birth weight in Seychelles.
- To establish baseline birth weight data for a specific population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey of singleton live births at Victoria Hospital, Seychelles in 1977.
- Statistical analysis of mean birth weights for male and female infants.
- Examination of correlations between birth weight, maternal age, and parity.
Main Results:
- Mean male infant birth weight was 3105 g (S.D. 526 g); mean female infant birth weight was 3019 g (S.D. 498 g).
- Female birth weight demonstrated a positive correlation with increasing maternal age and parity.
- Male birth weight peaked with maternal age between 21-30 years and parity of one to two.
Conclusions:
- Maternal age and parity exhibit differential effects on male and female infant birth weights.
- These findings highlight the importance of demographic factors in neonatal development and health outcomes.
Abstract:
In 1977, a retrospective survey was made of all singleton live births in one year at Victoria Hospital, Seychelles. The mean weight of male infants was 3105 (S.D. 526 g) and of female infants was 3019 (S.D. 498 g). Birth weight of females increased with maternal age and parity whilst males showed a peak birth weight at maternal age 21 to 30 years and at parity one to two.