Low Birth Weight Trends in OECD Countries, 2000-2015: Economic and Health System Conditionings

• Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Main Authors: Alonso-Molero, Jéssica, Erasun, Diego, Gómez-Acebo, Inés, Dierssen-Sotos, Trinidad, Llorca, Javier, Schneider, José
• Format: Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Durham Research Square 16.09.2020
• Subjects: Birth weight; Industrialized nations; Trends; Southern Europe; Northern Europe
• DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-74814/v1

Background: Low birth weight rates are increasing in developed countries. However, little is known of economic or organization factors influencing this increase. This study aims to ascertain the 21st century relationships between the contextual country factors and low birth weight rates. Methods: We analyse trends of low birth weight rates in OECD countries. Data from 2000 to 2015 were obtained from the OECD data base. Their relationships with demographic and economic variables, health habits, woman-related preventive measures, health care system organization and funding, health care work force and obstetric care were analysed using random-effects linear regression. Results: Low birth weight rates are higher in Southern Europe and lower in Northern Europe. Low birth weight rates escalated about 20% in Southern Europe and to less extent in Easter Europe and Asian/Oceanian countries, while remained stable in America, Central Europe and Northern Europe. Investment in health care, private health system coverage, ratios of paediatricians and obstetricians, average length of admission due to pregnancy or birth and Caesarean section rate were associated with higher low birth weight rates. Factors associated with lower low birth weight rates were health care coverage, public health system coverage, hospitals per million inhabitants, and ratios of health care workers, physicians, midwives and nurses. Conclusions: Low birth weight rates are higher and are stepping faster in Southern Europe than in other developed countries. Many factors on health care system organization and funding as well as rations of health care workers were associated with low birth weight rates.