Changing Patterns of Low Birth Weight and Associated Risk Factors in Korea, 1995-2007

Kim, Sangwon; Lee, Jung Ju; Kim, Ji Hyun; Lee, Jae Hee; Yun, Sin Weon; Chae, Soo Ahn; Lim, In Seok; Choi, Eung Sang; Yoo, Byung Hoon

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Low birth weight (LBW) infants are known to be at the risk of increased morbidity and mortality, and also of developing adult or metabolic diseases later in their life. Recently, the number of LBW infants has increased in Korea. Therefore, we examined the changing patterns of LBW infants and associated risk factors.
METHODS
Data from the Korean National Statistical Office during 13 years (1995-2007) were used. We analyzed the changing mean gestational age, mean birth weight, mean maternal age, and the changing incidence of premature infant, LBW infant, multiple births, the proportion of first baby, and sex of the baby. Also, we analyzed the incidence of unmarried mother, old aged mother (>35 years), young aged mother (<20 years), high school graduated mother. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between LBW infants and risk factors.
RESULTS
The incidence of LBW infants was 2.99% in 1995, and 4.66% in 2007. The proportion of premature infant, multiple birth, first baby, unmarried mother, old aged mother, female baby increased. The increase in premature infant, multiple birth, old aged mother, unmarried mother, and female infant were found to be the important factors regarding increase in LBW infants in Korea.
CONCLUSION
In Korea, an increase in the prevalence of LBW infants and prematurity from 1995 to 2007 was observed. The increase in premature infants, multiple birth, old aged mother, unmarried mother, and female infant are associated with the increase in LBW infants.