Being Born in Manitoba

Abstract

The Manitoba Centre for Health Policy was commissioned by Manitoba's provincial health department to examine the health of newborns born 1994 through 1998, using three indicators: preterm birth (< 37 weeks gestation), birthweight, and type of infant feeding. Data were derived from the Population Health Research Data Repository and the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth 1996. Variation by 12 Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) and by 12 Winnipeg Community Areas (CAs) was examined, as well as associations with the population's health and socioeconomic well-being. Manitoba's preterm birth rate was 6.7% of live births, from 5.3% to 7.4% by RHA, and 5.7% to 8.0% by Winnipeg CA. Manitoba's low birthweight rate (< 2500 g) was 5.3%, from 2.7% to 5.7% by RHA, and 4.4% to 7.2% by Winnipeg CA. The lower the income, the greater the likelihood of low birthweight (p < 0.05). Manitoba's breastfeeding initiation rate was 78%, from 64% to 87% by RHA, and 66% to 90% by Winnipeg CA. The lower the income and the poorer the health status of the population, the lower the breastfeeding rate (p < 0.001). Of those initiating breastfeeding, 42% breastfed for at least six months. Factors affecting child health in Manitoba could be addressed through systematic programs both during pregnancy and during the postpartum period, including support for nutritional counselling, promotion of breastfeeding, smoking cessation programs, and social policy decisions designed to overcome disparities within low-income groups and populations with poorer health status.