CLIMATE AND NEWBORN INFANTS BIRTH GROWTH AND WEIGHT IN RUSSIA

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the study was to monitor the correlation between the infants birth growth weight and the climatic characteristics using regional statistical indices. Materials and methods. Mean birth growth and birth weight values of 790 276 newborn infants from 42 subjects of the Russian Federation with the share of the Russian population not less than 85 % (2007) were taken from the database of Social Insurance Fund. Mean temperature of July and January, mean wind speed, average annual horizontal surface insolation (kw·day/m2) were used as the parameters characterizing climatic conditions of the region. Climate severity was estimated by Bodman index values and annual temperature difference. Results. Newborn infant’s birth weight is decreasing with climate severity growing: it correlates with the average temperature of January ( r = + 0,56), Bodman index values ( r = -0,49) and interseasonal (July-January) temperature difference ( r = -0,54). Newborn infant’s birth growth is directly connected with insolation level ( r = 0,31) that agrees with the notion of the role of UV-radiation in metabolism of fetal bone tissue. Conclusions. 1. Newborn infant’s birth weight is decreasing with fall in a mean temperature of January, increase in climate severity and growth of season temperature difference. 2. Newborn infant’s birth growth is increasing with rise in an average annual insolation level.