Which factors could explain the low birth weight paradox?
OBJECTIVE: Low birth weight children are unusual among well-off families. However, in Brazil, low birth weight rate was higher in a more developed city than in a less developed one. The study objective was to find out the reasons to explain this paradox. METHODS: A study was carried out in two municipalities, Ribeirão Preto (Southeastern Brazil) and São Luís (Northeastern Brazil), which low birth weight rates were 10.7% and 7.6% respectively. Data from two birth cohorts were analyzed: 2,839 newborns in Ribeirão Preto in 1994 and 2,439 births in São Luís in 1997-1998. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: Low birth weight risk factors in São Luís were primiparity, maternal smoking and maternal age less than 18 years. In Ribeirão Preto, the associated variables were family income between one and three minimum wages, maternal age less than 18 and equal to or more than 35 years, maternal smoking and cesarean section. In a combined model inc
Related Questions
- Does candidemia predict threshold retinopathy of prematurity in extremely low birth weight (=1000 g) neonates?
- Is the association between low birth weight and asthma independent of genetic and shared environmental factors?
- Does Candidemia Predict Threshold Retinopathy of Prematurity in Extremely Low Birth Weight (≤1000 g) Neonates?