Yonsei Med J.  2018 Aug;59(6):781-786. 10.3349/ymj.2018.59.6.781.

Incidence of Cerebral Palsy in Korea and the Effect of Socioeconomic Status: A Population-Based Nationwide Study

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
  • 2Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
  • 3Department of Statistics, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
  • 4Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Inje University Ilsanpaik Hospital, Goyang, Korea. halwayskim@gmail.com
  • 5Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

PURPOSE
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes serious disability. Prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) are known to be the strongest risk factors of CP. While socioeconomic status (SES) has been found to influence the occurrence of CP, prematurity, and LBW, no studies have investigated this effect in Korea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of CP, prematurity, and LBW in Korea, as well as the effect of SES thereon.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data were obtained from the National Health Information Database from 2007 to 2013; persons with a history of CP, prematurity, and LBW were investigated by year. SES was defined in accordance with income quintiles, birth regions, and coverage classification.
RESULTS
The incidence of CP decreased over the last five years, despite increased rates of prematurity and LBW. CP incidence was significantly lower in affluent groups than in the most deprived group, although this difference disappeared after controlling for confounders. The incidence of CP was significantly higher in medical aid beneficiaries, even after controlling for confounders.
CONCLUSION
CP incidence in Korea has decreased over the last five years, despite an increase in high-risk deliveries. Income level had no effect in CP incidence. These results may aid CP management and prevention policies.

Keyword

Cerebral palsy; premature birth; low birth weight; incidence; socioeconomic factors

MeSH Terms

Cerebral Palsy*
Classification
Humans
Incidence*
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn
Korea*
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Parturition
Premature Birth
Risk Factors
Social Class*
Socioeconomic Factors

Figure

  • Fig. 1 Incidence of CP, prematurity, and LBW by year. CP, cerebral palsy; LBW, low birth weight.

  • Fig. 2 Incidence of cerebral palsy according to income group by year.


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