Y Kelly1, L Panico, M Bartley, M Marmot, J Nazroo, A Sacker. 1. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK. y.kelly@ucl.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Birthweight varies according to ethnic group, but it is not clear why such differences exist. We examine the contribution of socioeconomic, maternal and behavioural factors to differences in mean birthweight and the prevalence of low birthweight across ethnic groups. METHODS: Data from the nationally representative UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 16,157) on White, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black Caribbean and Black African infants were analysed. Cohort members were born in 2000-02, and data on birthweight, maternal, infant, behavioural and socioeconomic factors were collected by home interviews. RESULTS: Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi infants were 280-350 g lighter, and 2.5 times more likely to be low birthweight compared with White infants. Black Caribbean infants were 150 g and Black African infants 70 g lighter compared with White infants, and Black Caribbean and Black African infants were 60% more likely to be low birthweight compared with White infants. For Black Caribbean, Black African, Bangladeshi and Pakistani infants, socioeconomic factors were important in explaining birthweight differences and, for Indian and Bangladeshi infants, maternal and infant factors were important in explaining birthweight differences. CONCLUSION: Future policies aimed at reducing inequalities in birthweight must pay attention to the different socioeconomic and culturally-related profiles of ethnic minority groups in the UK.
BACKGROUND: Birthweight varies according to ethnic group, but it is not clear why such differences exist. We examine the contribution of socioeconomic, maternal and behavioural factors to differences in mean birthweight and the prevalence of low birthweight across ethnic groups. METHODS: Data from the nationally representative UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 16,157) on White, Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Black Caribbean and Black African infants were analysed. Cohort members were born in 2000-02, and data on birthweight, maternal, infant, behavioural and socioeconomic factors were collected by home interviews. RESULTS: Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi infants were 280-350 g lighter, and 2.5 times more likely to be low birthweight compared with White infants. Black Caribbean infants were 150 g and Black African infants 70 g lighter compared with White infants, and Black Caribbean and Black African infants were 60% more likely to be low birthweight compared with White infants. For Black Caribbean, Black African, Bangladeshi and Pakistani infants, socioeconomic factors were important in explaining birthweight differences and, for Indian and Bangladeshi infants, maternal and infant factors were important in explaining birthweight differences. CONCLUSION: Future policies aimed at reducing inequalities in birthweight must pay attention to the different socioeconomic and culturally-related profiles of ethnic minority groups in the UK.
Authors: Wolff Schlotz; Alexander Jones; David I W Phillips; Catharine R Gale; Sian M Robinson; Keith M Godfrey Journal: J Child Psychol Psychiatry Date: 2009-10-28 Impact factor: 8.982
Authors: Narinder Bansal; James W T Chalmers; Colin M Fischbacher; Markus F C Steiner; Raj S Bhopal Journal: Eur J Public Health Date: 2014-05-19 Impact factor: 3.367
Authors: Ilse J E Flink; Tinneke M J Beirens; Caspar Looman; Jeanne M Landgraf; Henning Tiemeier; Henriette A Mol; Vincent W V Jaddoe; Albert Hofman; Johan P Mackenbach; Hein Raat Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2012-05-10 Impact factor: 4.147
Authors: Anna Reeske; Jacob Spallek; Karin Bammann; Gabriele Eiben; Stefaan De Henauw; Yiannis Kourides; Peter Nagy; Wolfgang Ahrens Journal: PLoS One Date: 2013-04-04 Impact factor: 3.240