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Vital statistics of premature and low birthweight infants in Tainan area
1Department of Pediatrics, Chi-Mei Foundation Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Insights
This study surveyed premature and low birthweight infant rates in Tainan, finding low overall incidence. Teenage mothers and those over 35 were identified as high-risk groups for these births.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal epidemiology
- Maternal and child health
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Birth weight and gestational age are critical determinants of perinatal outcomes.
- Understanding regional variations in premature and low birthweight births is essential for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a vital statistics survey of premature and low birthweight infants in the Tainan area.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with these adverse birth outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A voluntary survey was conducted between July 1991 and April 1992, involving 15 medical institutions across Tainan.
- Data from 14,307 deliveries were collected, representing approximately 60% of the area's total deliveries for that year.
- Infant outcomes were analyzed based on hospital level (I, II, III) and maternal age.
Main Results:
- The incidence of premature singleton live birth was 4.6%, with higher rates observed in higher-level hospitals (Level III: 11.3%).
- The incidence of low birthweight and very low birthweight singleton live births was 4.4% and 0.5%, respectively, also increasing with hospital level.
- Teenage mothers (<20 years) exhibited a higher low birthweight rate (6.3%), as did mothers over 35 years (4.8%) compared to younger age groups.
Conclusions:
- The Tainan area demonstrated a low incidence of premature and low birthweight births.
- Maternal age is a significant factor, with teenagers and women over 35 representing high-risk groups for producing premature and low birthweight infants.
Unlabelled:
Birth weight and gestational age are strongly associated with perinatal mortality and morbidity. This study was conducted to survey the vital statistics of premature and low birthweight infants in the Tainan area. Between July 1991 and April 1992, fifteen medical institutions were included on a voluntary basis: eight from level I (obstetric specialty clinic), six from level II (regional hospital), and one from level III (tertiary care center). A total of 14,307 deliveries were enrolled, accounting for about 60% of the total delivery for that year in the area. The proportions of delivery among level I, II and III were 52%, 41% and 7%, respectively. The incidence of premature singleton live birth was 4.6%, and the percentages of gestation between 20-27 weeks, 28-31 weeks and 32-37 weeks were 0.2%, 0.6% and 3.8%, respectively. The premature births accounted for 3.5%, 4.8% and 11.3% of live births at the level I, II and III hospitals, respectively. The incidence of low birthweight and very low birthweight singleton live births was 4.4% and 0.5%, respectively. The low birthweight births accounted for 3.5%, 4.5% and 11.1% of live births at the level I, II and III hospitals, respectively. The data revealed that the higher the level of hospital, the higher incidences of premature and low birthweight infant. Teenage mothers (< 20 year of age) had higher low birthweight rate. The risk of having low birthweight infants decreased progressively in mothers of age < 20 (6.3%), 20-24 (5.4%), 25-29 (4.1%) and 30-34 (3.8%), whereas it became higher in mothers older than 35 (4.8%).
Conclusion:
The incidence of premature and low birthweight births in the Tainan area was low. Teenager or those with maternal age older than 35 year were high risk groups for producing these infants.