Abstract
Low birth weight (< 2500 g; LBW) and macrosomia (> 4000 g) are both adverse birth outcomes with high health risk in short- or long-term period. However, national prevalence estimates of LBW and macrosomia varied partially due to methodology limits in China. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of LBW and macrosomia after taking potential birth weight heaping into consideration in Chinese children under 6 years in 2013. The data were from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey in mainland China in 2013, which consists of 32,276 eligible records. Birth weight data and socio-demographic information was collected using standard questionnaires. Birth weight distributions were examined and LBW and macrosomia estimates were adjusted for potential heaping. The overall prevalence of LBW of Chinese children younger than 6 years was 5.15% in 2013, with 4.57% in boys and 5.68% in girls. LBW rate was higher for children who were minority ethnicity, had less educated mothers, mothers aged over 35 years or under 20 years, or were in lower income household than their counterparts. The overall prevalence of macrosomia of Chinese children younger than 6 years was 7.35% in 2013, with 8.85% in boys and 5.71% in girls. The prevalence of macrosomia increased with increasing maternal age, educational level and household income level. Both LBW and macrosomia varied among different regions and socio-economic groups around China. It is found that estimates based on distribution adjustment might be more accurate and could be used as the foundation for policy-decision and health resource allocation. It would be needed to take potential misclassification of birth weight data arising from heaping into account in future studies.
Highlights
Low birth weight (< 2500 g; LBW) and macrosomia (> 4000 g) are both adverse birth outcomes with high health risk in short- or long-term period
Most LBW and macrosomia estimates did not take potential misclassification of birth weight data arising from heaping into account
More children aged 3–5 years, minority ethnicity, with a lower educated mother, from lower income household or rural areas were seen in the excluded group
Summary
Low birth weight (< 2500 g; LBW) and macrosomia (> 4000 g) are both adverse birth outcomes with high health risk in short- or long-term period. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of LBW and macrosomia after taking potential birth weight heaping into consideration in Chinese children under 6 years in 2013. The prevalence of macrosomia increased with increasing maternal age, educational level and household income level Both LBW and macrosomia varied among different regions and socio-economic groups around China. It would be needed to take potential misclassification of birth weight data arising from heaping into account in future studies. Perinatal Health Care Surveillance System in 12 cities and counties in southeast China showed the macrosomia rate of 7.83% in 2 00512 and a cross-sectional study of 14 provinces in China reported a macrosomia rate of 6.5% in 2 00613. Most LBW and macrosomia estimates did not take potential misclassification of birth weight data arising from heaping into account. A modified and reliable estimate of LBW and macrosomia is needed to ensure accuracy at the national and international levels to guide future interventions and policies
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