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How To... - Interpret Data - Case Studies - Low
Birthweight
What: Is low birthweight a health problem?
Low birthweight (less than 2,500 grams) is the single most important
factor affecting neonatal mortality and a significant determinant of
postneonatal mortality. Low birthweight infants who survive are at
increased risk for health problems ranging from neurodevelopmental
disabilities to respiratory disorders.
The Healthy People 2010 objective for low birthweight established
the target prevalence of 5 percent. In 2001, the U.S. prevalence of low
birthweight (National Vital Statistics Reports) for all race/ethnicity
groups was 7.7%, above the Healthy People 2010 target of 5% and
therefore, considered to be a public health problem. To determine if low
birthweight is a health problem within the state PNSS population, we will
compare the percent of low birthweight infants from a state WIC program to
the Healthy People 2010 target of 5 percent and the U.S. prevalence
of low birthweight of 7.7%.
Percent of Low Birthweight Infants
The PNSS Table 8C (state level), Comparison of Infant Health
Indicators, provides the prevalence of low birthweight defined as all
infants less than 2500 grams that includes both very low birthweight and
low birthweight infants.
Sample: PNSS Table 8C, Comparison of Health Indicators
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The prevalence of low birthweight infants in the state
(7.7%) is slightly lower than the prevalence of low birthweight infants
in the national PNSS (7.9%), however, it is the same as the U.S.
prevalence (7.7%). |
What: Is low birthweight a health problem?
The prevalence of low birthweight infants was 7.7% compared to the
Healthy People 2010 target prevalence of 5 percent so it is considered
a health problem.
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